Angular displacement refers to the change in the angle of an object as it moves around a fixed axis or point of rotation. It is measured in terms of radians, degrees, or revolutions, representing the difference between the final and initial [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Circular Motion/Angular Position|angular positions]]. $\Delta \theta = \theta - \theta_{0} \tag{1}$ where: - $\theta$ is the final angular position, and - $\theta_0$ is the initial angular position Rotation in the clockwise direction is negative and rotation in the counterclockwise direction is positive. ### Relationship to Change in Velocity For an object moving along a circular path, the **change in the velocity vector** is related to the angular displacement of the object. - Imagine the velocity vectors at two positions forming a small angle $\Delta \theta$ at the center. - These vectors can be thought of as forming the sides of an isosceles triangle, with the **magnitude of the change in velocity** ($\Delta v$) being roughly proportional to the arc subtended by this angle for small displacements. ### Related Topics --- [[Home|Home]] | [[Circular Motion]] | [[1-Lesson Plans/Archived/Angular Position|Angular Position]] | [[Angular Velocity]] |[[Centripetal Acceleration]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Circular Motion/Centripetal Force|Centripetal Force]]