Models For The Number Of Hours Of Daylight In Seward, AL

Models For The Number Of Hours Of Daylight In Seward Ala

Below are models for the number of hours of daylight in Seward, Alaska (60 degrees latitude) and New Orleans, Louisiana (30 degrees latitude). Seward D=12.2 – 6.4cos[Ï€(t + 0.2)/6] New Orleans D=12.2– 1.9cos[Ï€(t + 0.2)/6] In these models, D represents the number of hours of daylight and t represents the month, with t=0 representing January 1.

a. Graph both equations on the same xy plane. Be sure your graph is easy to read and labeled properly.

b. Are there any critical values for either graph? Where are the intersections between the two? What do these intersections represent?

c. Find the points where the hours of daylight are at a maximum/minimum. Around what time of the year are these points? Compare the information.

d. What tools did you use to solve this problem? What other ways could you have come to find the same solution?

e. How many hours of daylight are in each location at t=5? at t=8?

Paper For Above instruction

The variability in daylight hours across different locations on Earth is a fascinating aspect of our planet’s natural rhythms. In this context, the models provided for Seward, Alaska, and New Orleans, Louisiana, describe how daylight hours change throughout the year, represented by the variable t, with t=0 corresponding to January 1. Analyzing these models offers insights into the seasonal patterns experienced in these regions and highlights the mathematical principles underlying Earth's rotation and axial tilt.

Understanding the Models

The model for Seward, Alaska, is given by D = 12.2 – 6.4cos[π(t + 0.2)/6], and for New Orleans, Louisiana, D = 12.2 – 1.9cos[π(t + 0.2)/6]. Both equations are trigonometric functions that describe the oscillation of daylight hours as the Earth orbits the Sun. The cosine component captures the cyclical nature, with maximum and minimum daylight hours occurring at specific times of the year. The amplitude of variation is significantly larger in Seward due to its higher latitude, which results in longer summer days and shorter winter days compared to New Orleans.

Graphical Analysis

Graphing both equations on the same axes provides visual insight into their relationship throughout the year. By plotting D versus t from t=0 to t=12 or 24, we observe sinusoidal waves representing the change in daylight hours. Clearly labeled axes with "Months (t)" on the x-axis and "Hours of Daylight (D)" on the y-axis facilitate understanding. The graph shows that Seward's daylight hours vary more dramatically, peaking around the summer solstice and dipping during winter, while New Orleans exhibits a more moderate variation.

Critical Points and Intersections

Critical values of the functions occur where the derivative equals zero, corresponding to maximum or minimum daylight hours. For the cosine function, maxima occur when the argument of cosine is 0, π, 2π, etc., leading to calculated months near the solstices. The minima align with the solstice opposite to the maxima. The intersection points between the two graphs occur when the daylight hours in both locations are equal—that is, when D(Seward) = D(New Orleans). These points typically lie around equinoxes, where daylight hours are approximately equal in both hemispheres. Understanding these intersection points reflects the synchronization of day lengths during equinoxes, regardless of latitude differences.

Finding Maximum and Minimum Daylight

The maximum daylight in each location is found where the cosine term equals -1, resulting in the largest D values. For Seward, maximum occurs at t when cos[π(t + 0.2)/6] = -1, leading to specific months near the summer solstice (~June). For New Orleans, a similar process applies, but due to the smaller amplitude, the variation is less pronounced. The minimum points occur when the cosine equals 1, corresponding to winter solstice (~December). These points highlight the seasonal extremes that correspond closely with Earth's axial tilt.

Analytical Tools and Alternative Methods

Graphing calculators and graphing software such as Desmos or GeoGebra are effective tools for visualizing the functions. Derivative calculations help find critical points analytically. Alternatively, algebraic solutions involving setting derivatives to zero, or solving the equations symbolically, also identify maxima and minima. Numerical methods like iterative approximation or using computational scripts in Python or MATLAB could provide additional insights, especially for more complex models.

Calculations for Specific Months

At t=5 (approximately May), substitute into the models:

• Seward: D = 12.2 – 6.4cos[π(5 + 0.2)/6] ≈ 12.2 – 6.4cos(π×5.2/6)
• New Orleans: D = 12.2 – 1.9cos[π(5 + 0.2)/6]

Similarly, at t=8 (approximately August), substitute and compute. These calculations show relative daylight hours in each place during mid-year months, reflecting the seasonal variation.

Conclusion

The analysis of these models underscores how latitude influences seasonal daylight variation, with Seward experiencing greater fluctuation compared to New Orleans. Graphical and analytical approaches provide complementary insights into the periodic nature of daylight hours, revealing predictable patterns aligned with Earth's axial tilt and orbital dynamics. Such models are vital for understanding ecological, agricultural, and social impacts linked to seasonal changes.

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