Linear Speed

Let us first look into the definition of speed. The distance covered by any object or body calculated per unit time is called speed. We know that the motion can be of various types. It can be circular, linear etc. In circular motion the object moves in a circle. In linear motion as the word suggest the movement is in a particular direction which is defined and known. 

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Hence the question arises what is the need of naming another type of speed when it is similar in all sense to “speed”. Think of the situation when we have both circular and linear motion and the terms we will use for speed when we will be dealing with these both simultaneously. That is why these concepts are so important.

Linear speed is speed calculated in a particular direction. By one direction we mean linearity. This could be in any direction be it north, south or east. Linearity if disturbed will lead to another kind of motion.

Let us now discuss linear speed formula. 

We can say it is similar to “speed” when circular motion is not involved. Then it will be lnr speed = distance covered / time taken.

But when we have circular motion in action then we have a different formula.

It is expressed as:

V = omega r - - - - - - - - - (1)

Here v is the linear speed.

Omega is the circular speed.

R is the body radius.

Let us now discuss how to find Linear Speed. We will take a simple example to discuss this concept. Let us assume that the circular speed is 20 rotations per minute and the time taken is 20 minutes. As we know we need radius of the wheel also. So let us assume it to be 1 m. 

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Now we know that

V = w r - - - - - - - - - (2)

So here w = 20 and radius is one.

V = 20 * 1 = 20 meter per minute. - - - - - - - - -(3)

The units of representation may change according to the terms that we have used.

This is how we use the formula for calculations. Linear speed concept is very important as it is used to simplify various calculations related to science.