What does "angular displacement" refer to?

Angular displacement refers specifically to the change in angle when an object rotates around a fixed point or axis. It measures how far an object has rotated from its original position, usually expressed in degrees or radians. This concept is crucial in understanding rotational motion, as it indicates both the direction and extent of the rotation.

In contrast, the distance covered in a circular path relates more to the linear distance moved along that path, which is not the same as angular displacement. The speed of rotation pertains to how quickly the object is moving through its circular path, typically expressed as revolutions per minute (RPM) or radians per second, but it does not indicate how much the angle itself has changed. Finally, the amount of time taken to complete a circle refers to the duration of the full rotation, which is distinct from describing the change in angle itself. Each of these aspects relates to motion but captures different characteristics compared to angular displacement.