Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-physics-b-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2013/paper-2/section-a/a2/solution
Past exam of the physics B course of the University of Cambridge 2013 Paper 2 Section A A2 Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-20
In the ideal semidiurnal tide model, successive high tides occur after the Earth–Moon relative angle advances by . Since the motions have the same sense, subtract their angular speeds:The lunar orbital period is sidereal, so the consistent terrestrial rotation period is . With , this gives about 12 h 25 min. The sidereal terrestrial period is distinct from the 24-hour solar day.[ref]
Earth Fact Sheet by National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Orbital parameters, sidereal rotation period 23.9345 h and length of day 24 h
If the Earth's rotation is approximated as one revolution in 24 hours, the same calculation instead gives 12 h 27 min. That small difference is the day convention, not a change of sign in the relative angular speed. Actual coastal tide times also depend on ocean dynamics and the solar tide.
New to topics? Read the docs here!