/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 15 Delta Cephei is one of the most ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Delta Cephei is one of the most visible stars in the night sky. Its brightness has periods of \(5.4\) days, the average brightness is \(4.0\) and its brightness varies by \(\pm 0.35 .\) Find a formula that models the brightness of Delta Cephei as a function of time, \(t\), with \(t=0\) at peak brightness.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The formula is \(B(t) = 0.35 \cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{5.4}t\right) + 4.0\).

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Problem

We are asked to find a function that models the brightness of Delta Cephei. The star's brightness varies sinusoidally with a period of 5.4 days, a maximum variation of ±0.35 from an average brightness of 4.0. We need to express this variation in a sinusoidal function, which could be either in the form of a sine or cosine function.
02

Identify Parameters for the Sinusoidal Function

Since the sinusoidal function has a peak at \(t = 0\), it's ideal to use a cosine function, as cosine starts at its maximum value. The amplitude \(A\) is 0.35 (the maximum deviation from the average), the average brightness is the vertical shift \(D = 4.0\), and the period \(T = 5.4\) days. The standard form for a cosine function is \(f(t) = A \cos(Bt - C) + D\).
03

Determine the Value of B

The period \(T\) is related to \(B\) by the formula \(\frac{2\pi}{B} = T\). Substituting the given period, we have:\[B = \frac{2\pi}{5.4}\]
04

Write the Sinusoidal Function

Using the identified parameters, the function that models the brightness is:\[B(t) = 0.35 \cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{5.4}t\right) + 4.0\]This formula incorporates the amplitude, period, and vertical shift based on the given values.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Amplitude
When discussing sinusoidal functions, understanding the concept of amplitude is crucial. Amplitude refers to the maximum distance a wave, like our sinusoidal function, deviates from its central axis.

In our problem, the central axis represents the average brightness of Delta Cephei, which is 4.0. The amplitude is given as \pm 0.35, signifying that the star's brightness can vary by 0.35 above or below its average value.

  • The amplitude is a measure of how "tall" or "short" the wave appears.
  • In the equation format, it is denoted as \(A\).
  • Here, the amplitude \(A = 0.35\), meaning the brightness fluctuates between 3.65 and 4.35.
Amplitude affects the "height" of the oscillation in sinusoidal patterns, representing the range of the star's brightness. With amplitude clearly defined, one can understand how much variation from the mean is present in a sinusoidal wave.
Period of a Function
The period of a function is the interval over which the function repeats itself. For sinusoidal functions describing cycles or waves, the period links with how frequently these cycles complete.

In the scenario of Delta Cephei, the period is provided as 5.4 days. This means the brightness pattern repeats every 5.4 days.

  • Period \(T\) directly influences the frequency of repetition for the sinusoidal wave, indicating how fast or slow these cycles occur.
  • Mathematically, period is found using \(\frac{2\pi}{B}\).
  • Here, \(B\) is determined to ensure the brightness function repeats every 5.4 days, resulting in \(B = \frac{2\pi}{5.4}\).
By understanding the period, one can predict when the sinusoidal function returns to any particular stage in its cycle. It’s a vital component in constructing the wave and ensuring its accurate representation over time.
Cosine Function
The cosine function is one of the primary types of sinusoidal functions used widely in mathematics to model periodic phenomenons.

In our given exercise, the star's brightness is best described by a cosine function as its maximum brightness occurs at \(t=0\). That means the cosine function, which traditionally starts at its peak, is most suitable for this model.

  • The general form of a cosine function is given by \(f(t) = A \cos(Bt - C) + D\).
  • In this equation:
    • \(A\) is the amplitude, reflecting variation from the average.
    • \(B\) relates to the period and determines how fast the cycles occur.
    • \(C\) is the phase shift; here, \(C=0\) since the peak aligns with \(t=0\).
    • \(D\) is the vertical shift, aligning with the central average, here 4.0.
  • In our model, the cosine equation for the brightness is \(B(t) = 0.35 \cos\left(\frac{2\pi}{5.4}t\right) + 4.0\), perfectly capturing the required periodic behavior with its peak at the start of the cycle.
The cosine function, with its defined form and behavior, allows us to precisely depict oscillations like that of Delta Cephei’s brightness. Understanding how to use its parameters correctly is key to accurate mathematical modeling.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

A sporting goods wholesaler finds that when the price of a product is \(\$ 25\), the company sells 500 units per week. When the price is \(\$ 30\), the number sold per week decreases to 460 units. (a) Find the demand, \(q\), as a function of price, \(p\), assuming that the demand curve is linear. (b) Use your answer to part (a) to write revenue as a function of price. (c) Graph the revenue function in part (b). Find the price that maximizes revenue. What is the revenue at this price?

The infrastructure needs of a region (for example, the number of miles of electrical cable, the number of miles of roads, the number of gas stations) depend on its population. Cities enjoy economies of scale. \({ }^{70}\) For example, the number of gas stations is proportional to the population raised to the power of \(0.77\). (a) Write a formula for the number, \(N\), of gas stations in a city as a function of the population, \(P\), of the city. (b) If city \(A\) is 10 times bigger than city \(B\), how do their number of gas stations compare? (c) Which is expected to have more gas stations per person, a town of 10,000 people or a city of 500,000 people?

Find the present value of a $$\$ 20,000$$ payment to be made in 10 years. Assume an interest rate of \(3.2 \%\) per year compounded continuously.

From October 2002 to October 2006 the number \(N(t)\) of Wikipedia articles was approximated by \(N(t)=\) \(N_{0} e^{t / 500}\), where \(t\) is the number of days after October 1,2002 . Find the doubling time for the number of Wikipedia articles during this period.

The Bay of Fundy in Canada has the largest tides in the world. The difference between low and high water levels is 15 meters (nearly 50 feet). At a particular point the depth of the water, \(y\) meters, is given as a function of time, \(t\), in hours since midnight by $$ y=D+A \cos (B(t-C)) $$ (a) What is the physical meaning of \(D\) ? (b) What is the value of \(A\) ? (c) What is the value of \(B\) ? Assume the time between successive high tides is \(12.4\) hours. (d) What is the physical meaning of \(C\) ?

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Math Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.