1. What is Linear Speed?

Linear speed is the distance traveled per unit of time by an object moving along a straight path. It's different from angular velocity (RPM) which measures rotational speed.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the linear speed formula:

Where:

• \( v \) — Linear speed (m/s)
• \( RPM \) — Revolutions per minute (rev/min)
• \( r \) — Radius (m)
• \( \pi \) — Mathematical constant pi (≈3.14159)

Explanation: The formula converts rotational speed (RPM) to linear speed by calculating the circumference (2πr) and converting minutes to seconds.

3. Applications of Linear Speed Calculation

Details: Linear speed calculations are essential in mechanical engineering, automotive design, conveyor systems, and any application involving rotating objects converting to linear motion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter RPM (must be greater than 0) and radius in meters (must be greater than 0). The calculator will compute the linear speed in meters per second.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why divide by 60 in the formula?
A: We divide by 60 to convert from revolutions per minute to revolutions per second, as linear speed is typically measured in meters per second.

Q2: Can I use different units?
A: Yes, but you'll need to ensure consistent units. For example, if radius is in cm, the result will be in cm/s.

Q3: Does this work for any rotating object?
A: Yes, this formula applies to any object rotating about a fixed axis, such as wheels, gears, or pulleys.

Q4: What if I know linear speed and want to find RPM?
A: You can rearrange the formula: \( RPM = \frac{v \times 60}{2 \times \pi \times r} \)

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise. Accuracy depends on the precision of your input measurements.