What does "angular velocity" measure?

Angular velocity is defined as the rate at which an object rotates or revolves around an axis, and it specifically measures the angular displacement that occurs over a unit of time. In this context, angular displacement refers to the change in the angle of a rotating object, typically measured in radians. Therefore, angular velocity quantifies how quickly an object is moving through its circular path, combining both the angle it has traversed and the time taken for that traversal.

This definition highlights the importance of measuring the angle relative to time, which is fundamental when analyzing rotational motion. It provides insight into how swiftly an object is turning or spinning, making it critical for understanding dynamics in mechanical systems.