period of oscillation?

[mikefitz]

The frequency of oscillations of, f, is equal to 315 Hz. What is the value of the period of oscillations, T?

I understand that the speed of the wave is related to the wavelength and the frequency according to this:

v = w/f = w/T

But, how am I to solve for T if I don't know the value of 'v' or 'w' ? I know I'm missing something simple here.

[berkeman]

Include units to help you get a more intuitive feeling for what is going on.

What are the mks units of velocity?

What are the mks units of wavelength?

What are the mks units of frequency? (Hint: what are the units of period?)

The units on the lefthand side and righthand side of an equation *must* be equal.

[Doc Al]

I understand that the speed of the wave is related to the wavelength and the frequency according to this:

v = w/f = w/T
If that were true, it would mean that f = T. You're thinking of v = wf.

But, how am I to solve for T if I don't know the value of 'v' or 'w' ? I know I'm missing something simple here.

Yes, you are missing something: the very simple relationship between frequency and period. To figure that out, ask yourself what frequency means. What the meaning of a frequency of 1 Hz? 2 Hz? Then ask yourself what period means.

[mikefitz]

doh! f=1/T - I knew it was something simple! Thanks again guys.