Radians (AQA A Level Physics)

Revision Note

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Last updated

7 November 2024

In circular motion, it is more convenient to measure angular displacement in units of radians rather than units of degrees
The angular displacement (θ) of a body in circular motion is defined as:
The change in angle, in radians, of a body as it rotates around a circle
The angular displacement is the ratio of:

Note: both distances must be measured in the same units e.g. metres
A radian (rad) is defined as:
The angle subtended at the centre of a circle by an arc equal in length to the radius of the circle
Angular displacement can be calculated using the equation:

When the angle is equal to one radian, the length of the arc (Δs) is equal to the radius (r) of the circle

Where:
- Δθ = angular displacement, or angle of rotation (radians)
- s = length of the arc, or the distance travelled around the circle (m)
- r = radius of the circle (m)

$\frac{360}{π} = \frac{180}{π} \approx 57.3 °$

$θ rads \times \frac{180}{π} = θ °$

$θ ° \times \frac{π}{180} = θ rads$

Table of common degrees to radians conversions

Convert the following angular displacement into degrees:

Answer:

You will notice your calculator has a degree (Deg) and radians (Rad) mode
This is shown by the “D” or “R” highlighted at the top of the screen
Remember to make sure it’s in the right mode when using trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan) depending on whether the answer is required in degrees or radians
It is extremely common for students to get the wrong answer (and lose marks) because their calculator is in the wrong mode - make sure this doesn’t happen to you!
- This mode only matters if you're using sine, cos or tan