Some one gets on to a ferris wheel 30^0 left of the bottom. What would be the phase shift if I am writing a sine Function?

Is it -120^0 or + 120^0. Please explain.

3 answers

is the wheel rising or falling from that point?
Some one gets on to a ferris wheel 30^0 left of the bottom. What would be the phase shift if I am writing a sine Function?
Is it -120^0 or + 120^0. Please explain.

It's turning counter clockwise.
so, it will achieve its minimum height when θ=30

sinθ achieves its minimum height when θ=270

sin(30+240) = sin(30-120)

the graph shows this.

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=sin(x-2pi%2F3)