Calculating Period and Speed of Atomic Vibrations | Atom Motion in Solids

[Sucks@Physics]

Homework Statement

Atoms in a solid are in continuous vibrational motion due to thermal energy. At room temperature, the amplitude of these atomic bibrations is typically about 10^-9 cm, and their frequency is on the order of 10^12 Hz. What is the approximate period of oscillation of a typical atom? What is the mazimum speed of such an atom?

Homework Equations

(1/f)=T

The Attempt at a Solution

For period of oscillation i know the answer is 10^-12, but I do not know the formula for finding the speed of the atom. I used C=(lambda/f) but this didn't work. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Shooting Star]

The energy of a particle in SHM is mv^2/2, where v is max speed and also kA^2/2, where A is amplitude. Do you know omega in terms of k and m? Then you can figure it out.

 

[Sucks@Physics]

ok so omega = sqrt*k/m then multiply omega x A to get max speed? But i get a very small number and I know it's not correct, what am I doing wrong?

 

[Shooting Star]

(omega = 2*pi*f = 2*pi/T.)

Probably doing some arithmetical errors. Show your calculations.

 

[Sucks@Physics]

oh sweet, i got it thanks!