Where Did I Go Wrong in Solving for the Boat's Entry Time?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a problem related to tidal equations and determining the time at which a boat enters the water based on the tide's height. The original poster presents an equation for the tide and expresses confusion over a discrepancy between their calculated time and the answer key.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants examine the steps taken by the original poster, particularly questioning the transition between equations. There are discussions about the correctness of the answer key and potential errors in the textbook's assumptions regarding tidal cycles.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's calculations, seeking clarification on specific steps. Some express skepticism about the answer key, suggesting that the textbook may contain an error regarding the timing of tidal cycles. There is no explicit consensus, but multiple interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the frequency of tides, with some participants suggesting that the textbook may have inaccurately stated the time between low tides.

songoku
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Homework Statement
Please see the picture below
Relevant Equations
Simple harmonic motion
1634178732447.png


Equation for the tide:
$$y=-\cos \left(\frac{2 \pi}{6}t\right)+2$$

When ##y## = 1.5 m :
$$1.5=-\cos \left(\frac{2 \pi}{6}t\right)+2$$
$$-0.5=-\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{3}t\right)$$
$$\frac{\pi}{3}=\frac{\pi}{3}t$$
$$t=1$$

But the answer key is t = 2. Where is my mistake?

Thanks
 
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songoku said:
$$-0.5=-\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{3}t\right)$$
$$\frac{\pi}{3}=\frac{\pi}{3}t$$
How did you get from one line to the other? Show your work.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
How did you get from one line to the other? Show your work.
$$-0.5=-\cos \left(\frac{\pi}{3}t \right)$$
$$\cos^{-1} (0.5)=\frac{\pi}{3}t$$
$$\frac{\pi}{3}=\frac{\pi}{3}t$$
 
Hm.
Ballparking suggests the textbook answer may be wrong.

1634183452163.png


But don't take my word for it; I'm just spit-balling, to jog your thought process.
 
Last edited:
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Thank you very much DaveC426913
 
I agree with your result (and with @DaveC426913). What textbook is this from?
 
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I suspect that the textbook author meant to write: the time between successive low tides is 12 hours (not 6).

After all, there should be about two tides per day (in most places), not four! :-p
 
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Doc Al said:
I suspect that the textbook author meant to write: the time between successive low tides is 12 hours
I think you're right.
 
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Doc Al said:
I agree with your result (and with @DaveC426913). What textbook is this from?
This is question given by teacher

Thank you very much Doc Al and Mark44
 
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