What is the correct formula for calculating centripetal acceleration?

AI Thread Summary
The correct formula for calculating centripetal acceleration is ac = v^2/r. For a bicycle wheel with a diameter of 70 cm (0.35 m radius) and a speed of 7.0 m/s, the calculation yields ac = (7.0 m/s)^2 / 0.35 m, resulting in 140 m/s^2. The initial confusion stemmed from a miscommunication regarding the units and the notation used in the calculation. After clarifying the units, the final answer of 140 m/s^2 is confirmed as correct. Proper unit conversion and application of the formula are essential for accurate results.
Sucks@Physics
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What is the centripetal acceleration of a point on the perimeter of a bicycle wheel of diameter 70 cm when the bike is moving 7.0m/s?

I thought the formula was v^2/r =ac

But when I do that i get 1.4m/s^2 and it is not the right answer. Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong, or if I've used the wrong formula? Thanks
 
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Realize that the diameter is given in cm. Change to meters.
 
I did. (7m/s)^2/.35m = 140m/s
 
Sorry that was supposed to be 1.4x10^2 in the first post
 
Sucks@Physics said:
Sorry that was supposed to be 1.4x10^2 in the first post
I don't see anything wrong with that answer, assuming you gave proper units.
 

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