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As the moon orbits the earth, the phases of the moon (the portion of the visible moon that is lit by the sun) change from full moon (100% lit) to new moon (0% lit) and then back to full moon. If the phases of the moon can be modeled using a sinusoidal function with a period of 29.5 days, how much time passes between a full moon and a new moon?

A. 7.4 days
B. 14.8 days
C. 22.1 days
D. 29.5 days
E. 59.0 days

User Tprieboj
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To find the time between a full moon and a new moon, we divide the period of the lunar cycle (29.5 days) by two, resulting in approximately 14.75 days. The closest answer provided is 14.8 days, which corresponds to option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the lunar cycle and the phases of the moon, we use the sinusoidal function of the moon's cycle to determine the time between phases. The sinusoidal function models periodic phenomena, such as the phases of the moon, which exhibit a pattern that repeats at regular intervals, known as the period.

For the moon phases, this period is 29.5 days. From a full moon to a new moon, it takes half of this cycle to transition, as a full cycle consists of going from new moon to full moon and back to new moon again.

Specifically, since it takes about 29.5 days to complete a full lunar cycle from new moon to new moon, the time from full moon to new moon, or vice versa, would be half of this period.

Therefore, 29.5 days divided by 2 gives us 14.75 days. When looking at the options provided, the closest match to 14.75 days is option B, 14.8 days. Hence, the mention correct option is B, meaning approximately 14.8 days pass between a full moon and a new moon.

User Shmuelp
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