Mechanics
Revolution period
Time for one complete revolution, the circumference divided by the speed.
The Formula
T = 2 x pi x r / v
Time for one complete revolution, the circumference divided by the speed.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Period | seconds | Time for one full turn. |
| pi | Pi | none | The circle constant, about 3.14159. |
| r | Radius | metres | Radius of the path. |
| v | Speed | metres per second | Tangential speed. |
What Each Symbol Means
Tseconds
Period
Time for one full turn.
pinone
Pi
The circle constant, about 3.14159.
rmetres
Radius
Radius of the path.
vmetres per second
Speed
Tangential speed.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate a centripetal force page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate A Centripetal Force, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.