What is the Unit of ω=sqrt(g/x0) and How is it Converted to Radians?

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SUMMARY

The unit of ω=sqrt(g/x0) is derived from the equation's components, where g represents acceleration due to gravity and x0 is the equilibrium displacement in meters. The resulting unit from this equation is s^-1, indicating frequency in hertz. Radians are dimensionless and serve as a measure of angular displacement, which is why the frequency can be expressed in radians per second. The final calculated frequency is sqrt(980) rad/s, confirming the relationship between linear and angular frequency.

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So, I'm trying to brush up on my undergrad physics, and I'm sure this is a bone-headed question, so please bear with me.

Homework Statement


A heavy object, when placed on a rubber pad that is to be used as a shock absorber, compresses the pad by 1cm. If the object is given a vertical tap, it will oscillate. Ignoring the damping, estimate the oscillation frequency. [The book I'm using actually gives the solution]

Homework Equations


x(t)=A*sin(sqrt(k/m)t+[itex]\phi[/itex])
ω=sqrt(k/m)
F=k|l-l0|

The Attempt at a Solution


We'll call x0 the equilibrium displacement, x0=1cm
k=spring constant of rubber
so
k(l-l0)=k*x0=mg (equilibrium)
gives us
k=(mg)/(x0)
then
ω=sqrt(k/m)
which eventually solves to
ω=sqrt(g/x0)

The book gives an answer of sqrt(980) rad/s. My question is given the units from ω=sqrt(g/x0) (meters, seconds, centimeters), how do they arrive at radians?

Edit: I just realized I put this in the wrong sub-forum, my apologies.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The unit of sqrt (g/x0) is s^-1. A "radian" is not really a unit, it is merely an indication that the corresponding dimensionless value is used as an angular measure.
 

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