What does angular velocity measure?

Angular velocity measures the amount of rotation that a spinning object undergoes per unit of time. It quantifies how quickly an object is rotating around an axis, specifically indicating the angle through which the object has rotated in a given time period. This is often expressed in radians per second or degrees per second. Understanding angular velocity is crucial in various fields, including physics and biomechanics, as it provides insight into the dynamics of rotating systems, such as wheels, gears, and limbs during movement.

The other options do not accurately describe angular velocity. The first option pertains to the concept of linear distance traveled along a circular path, which relates to linear motion rather than rotation. The third option focuses on linear motion in a straight line, which is distinct from rotation and is measured by linear speed. The fourth option refers to kinetic energy, which is a different physical quantity altogether, and does not involve the rotational aspect that angular velocity captures.