Revolution (rev) - Unit Information & Conversion
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What is a Revolution?
Revolution (or full rotation) is one complete 360-degree circular turn. 1 revolution = 360° = 2π radians. Used for rotational motion, motors, engines, wheels, and cycles. Symbol: rev, rot, or r.
History of the Revolution
Term from Latin "revolutio" (a turn around). Used since Renaissance for astronomical orbits. Modern applications include RPM (revolutions per minute) for engines, motors, and rotating machinery.
Quick Answer
What is a Revolution? A revolution is one complete circular rotation equal to 360 degrees or 2π radians. Common in measuring rotational speed (RPM = revolutions per minute), wheel rotations, engine cycles, and orbital motion. 1 revolution = 360° = 2π rad = 400 gradians. Use our angle converter for instant conversions.
Definition
1 revolution = 1 complete circular rotation = 360 degrees = 2π radians ≈ 6.2832 radians
Key conversions:
- 1 revolution = 360 degrees
- 1 revolution = 2π ≈ 6.2832 radians
- 1 revolution = 400 gradians (or gons)
- 1 revolution = 4 quadrants
- 1 revolution = 6400 mils (NATO)
Symbols: rev, r, rot, or "full turn"
Common Uses
Rotational Speed: RPM (revolutions per minute) for engines, motors, turbines, hard drives. Mechanical Engineering: Gear ratios, wheel rotations, shaft speeds, lathe operations. Astronomy: Planetary orbits, satellite revolutions, stellar rotation periods. Sports: Figure skating spins, gymnastics rotations, diving twists.
Real-World Examples
Engine and Motor Speeds
- Idle car engine: ~700-1000 RPM (revolutions per minute)
- Highway cruising: ~2000-3000 RPM
- Redline sports car: 6000-9000 RPM
- Formula 1 engine: ~15,000 RPM (historical), now limited to ~12,000 RPM
- Motorcycle engine: 8000-14,000 RPM typical redline
- Turbine engine: 10,000-50,000 RPM
Computer Storage
- Hard disk drive (HDD): 5400-7200 RPM (consumer), 10,000-15,000 RPM (enterprise)
- CD-ROM: 200-500 RPM (variable speed, CLV mode)
- DVD player: 570-1600 RPM (variable)
- Floppy disk: 300-360 RPM
- Modern SSD: No moving parts (0 RPM)
Wheel Rotations
- Car tire at 60 mph: ~850 RPM (depends on tire diameter)
- Bicycle wheel (road bike at 20 mph): ~300-350 RPM
- Ceiling fan: 50-300 RPM (typical settings)
- Washing machine spin cycle: 1000-1800 RPM
Astronomical Revolutions
- Earth rotation: 1 revolution per 24 hours (1 day)
- Moon orbit around Earth: 1 revolution per 27.3 days
- Earth orbit around Sun: 1 revolution per 365.25 days (1 year)
- Mars orbit: 1 revolution per 687 Earth days
- International Space Station: ~15.5 revolutions per day (90-minute orbit)
Industrial Machinery
- Wind turbine: 10-20 RPM (large utility-scale)
- Centrifuge: 1000-15,000 RPM (laboratory)
- Lathe spindle: 100-3000 RPM (variable speeds)
- Drill press: 250-3000 RPM
- Belt sander: 1500-3000 RPM
Revolution Conversion Formulas
To Degree:
To Radian:
To Gradian:
To Arcminute:
To Arcsecond:
To Turn:
To Quadrant:
To Gon:
To Mil:
Frequently Asked Questions
Formula: Degrees = Revolutions × 360 Examples:
- 1 revolution = 360°
- 0.5 revolutions = 180°
- 2 revolutions = 720°
- 0.25 revolutions = 90°
- 10 revolutions = 3600° Revolutions to Degrees converter →
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