Final answer:
The term used to describe the rate of spin is angular velocity. Giving an object a spin can provide advantages in terms of angular momentum, stability, and trajectory. For example, figure skaters can increase their spin rate by reducing rotational inertia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the rate of spin of an athlete or an object is angular velocity. Angular velocity is a measure of how quickly an object or athlete rotates about a given axis. It is typically measured in radians per second (rad/s).
For example, in terms of angular momentum, giving a football or rifle bullet a spin when throwing or releasing it provides an advantage. This is because the spin increases the angular momentum of the object, allowing it to maintain stability and trajectory during flight. Similarly, a figure skater increases her rate of spin by pulling her arms and extended leg closer to her axis of rotation, thus reducing her rotational inertia and increasing her angular velocity.