Maxiumum speed of a cork on a wave

[thoradicus]

Homework Statement

A small piece of cork in a ripple tank oscillates up and down as ripples pass it. If the ripples travel at .2m/s have a wavelength of 15mm and amplitude of 5mm, what is the maximum speed of the cork.

Homework Equations

v=fλ
f=1/T

The Attempt at a Solution

Is frequency relevant here? Just in case:
v=fλ
.2=f(15x10^-3)
f=40/3Hz
other than that I am not sure where to start...

 

[technician]

You are correct with the frequency.
Do you know what sort of motion the up and down oscillations are?

 

[HallsofIvy]

Yes, the frequency is relevant because speed is "distance per time" and frequency (actually 1 over frequency) will tell you how long each cycle takes.
1) What direction does the cork move?
2) How far does the cork move?
3) How long does that motion take?

 

[thoradicus]

Yes, the frequency is relevant because speed is "distance per time" and frequency (actually 1 over frequency) will tell you how long each cycle takes.
1) What direction does the cork move?
2) How far does the cork move?
3) How long does that motion take?

1) Up and down?
2)10mm? Since its up and down
3)Not sure..T i think?

You are correct with the frequency.
Do you know what sort of motion the up and down oscillations are?

Vibratory?

 

[technician]

Vibratory is correct, have you met simple harmonic motion?