Acceleration in Uniform Circular Motion

In summary, to find the acceleration of a 10 kg mass moving at 2 m/s in uniform circular motion with a radius of 2m, you can use the equation a=v^2/r, which yields an acceleration of 2m/s^2. The student questioned if they were confusing speed and velocity, but concluded that they were correct and may have been graded incorrectly.
  • #1
sleepingarmy
4
0

Homework Statement



What is the acceleration (in m/s^2) of a 10 kg mass moving with speed 2 m/s in uniform circular motion about a circle of radius 2m?


Homework Equations



F=ma
a=v^2/r in uniform circular motion


The Attempt at a Solution



Seems simple enough. To find the acceleration I simply squared the speed and divided by the radius. 2^2/2=2m/s^2.

This was graded as incorrect. What am I doing wrong? Am I confusing speed and velocity? Please help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Looks fine to me. Was that the entire question?
 
  • #3
Yup. I think the professor may have made a mistake. I'll take it to him. Thanks!
 

Related to Acceleration in Uniform Circular Motion

1. What is the formula for acceleration in uniform circular motion?

The formula for acceleration in uniform circular motion is a = v^2/r, where a is acceleration, v is velocity, and r is the radius of the circular motion.

2. How does acceleration in uniform circular motion differ from acceleration in linear motion?

In uniform circular motion, acceleration is always directed toward the center of the circle, while in linear motion, acceleration can be in any direction.

3. Can acceleration in uniform circular motion ever be zero?

Yes, if an object is moving at a constant speed in a perfect circle, its acceleration will be zero as it is not changing its velocity or direction.

4. How does changing the radius of a circle affect acceleration in uniform circular motion?

Increasing the radius of the circle will decrease the acceleration, while decreasing the radius will increase the acceleration.

5. Is acceleration in uniform circular motion always constant?

Yes, in uniform circular motion, the magnitude of acceleration is constant, but its direction is constantly changing as the object moves around the circle.

Similar threads

Acceleration in uniform circular motion is uniform or non-uniform?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
55
Views
755
A Car on a Banked Curve Moving in Uniform Circular Motion
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
What is the meaning of work done for non-uniform circular motion?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
Circular Motion Questions (energies, forces, angular velocities, etc.)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
699
Find the acceleration in circular motion
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Investigating Motion of Rockets & Satellites: Advanced Mechanics Depth Study
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Would particle P be under non-unform circular motion?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
29
Views
1K
Some quick questions concerning uniform acceleration and linear motion
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
955
Circular motion grade 12 physics
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
What actually is the centripetal acceleration formula?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
28
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top