What is the magnitude of the acceleration of a speck of clay on the edge of a potter's wheel turning at 50 rpm (revolutions per minute) if the wheel's diameter is 31 cm?

What is the magnitude of the acceleration of a speck of clay on the edge of a potter's wheel turning at 50 rpm (revolutions per minute) if the wheel's diameter is 31 cm?

You have to calculate the speed of the speck.
You have the diameter of the wheel.
From that you can calculate the length of the wheel perimeter.
And that length rotates 50 times per minute.
From that you can calculate the speed of the speck.

Success !

:)

How would I convert that into m/s2?

Acceleration is not always due to an increase in speed, but in a change in velocity, meaning that the magnitude of the speed may be constant, but the direction always changes, like in your question. :rolleyes:

Use your formula for cetripetal force: F = \frac{mv^2}{r}

Moving the m across: \frac{F}{m}=\frac{v^2}{r}

Now from F = ma: a = \frac{F}{m}

The rest should be fairly elementary.