Rotational Kinematics – Understanding Centripetal Acceleration Units

dimensional analysisrotational-kinematicsunits

I perform some basic calculation for circular motion. Formulas we get from school are:

  • $v$ – Linear speed with the units m/s
  • $r$ – Radius of curve in meters
  • $\omega$ – Angular speed with the units rps (radians per second)
  • $a_c$ – Centripetal acceleration with the units m/s${}^2$

$$
\omega = \frac{v}{r},
$$

$$
v = \omega r,
$$

$$
a_c = \frac{v^2}{r} = \omega^2 r.
$$

So far it looks straight forward.
My problem is in units.

The units of $\omega^2 r$ are $\dfrac{rad\cdot rad\cdot metre}{sec\cdot sec}$. Acceleration units must be $\dfrac{metre}{sec\cdot sec}$.

Can we neglect radians?

Best Answer

Radian $(\theta)$ is defined as, $\theta=\dfrac{l}{r}$, where $l$ is length of arc and $r$ is radius in a circle, and both have dimension as lengths.

Thus, Radian is a dimensionless unit.

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