Acceleration in Uniform Circular Motion

AI Thread Summary
The acceleration of a 10 kg mass moving at 2 m/s in uniform circular motion with a radius of 2 m is calculated using the formula a = v^2/r. The calculation of 2^2/2 results in an acceleration of 2 m/s^2. However, this answer was marked incorrect, leading to confusion about potential errors in understanding speed versus velocity. The student plans to discuss the grading with the professor, suspecting a possible mistake. Clarification on the problem's requirements may be necessary to resolve the issue.
sleepingarmy
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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!
 
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Looks fine to me. Was that the entire question?
 
Yup. I think the professor may have made a mistake. I'll take it to him. Thanks!
 

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