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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving for the boat's entry time using the tide equation $$y=-\cos \left(\frac{2 \pi}{6}t\right)+2$$. The user initially calculates the time as t = 1 when y = 1.5 m, but the answer key states t = 2. The confusion arises from the interpretation of the tide cycle, with participants suggesting that the textbook may incorrectly state the period of the tides as 6 hours instead of the correct 12 hours. This discrepancy leads to the conclusion that there should be two tides per day, not four.

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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.
 
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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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