Final answer:
Without specific tide data, it is not possible to provide the exact cosine function for the tides in the Bay of Fundy. Generally, we would need maximum height, period, phase shift, and vertical shift, influenced by the Moon's gravity and local topography.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asked to determine the cosine function that models the height of the tides in the Bay of Fundy. Unfortunately, the specific data needed to calculate the cosine function (such as the actual heights and times of the tides) are not provided.
To find the cosine function of the form f(t) = a · cos(b(t - c)) + d, where t is the time, we would need the following information:
- The maximum height of the tide (a) corresponds to the amplitude of the wave.
- The period of the tides (b) is related to the time between two successive high (or low) tides. Since we know that there are two high tides per day, we can calculate the period as the time for one rotation of the Earth divided by two.
- The phase shift (c) could be determined by the time of the first high tide of the lunar week.
- The vertical shift (d) would be the average sea level.
Once all this data is collected, they can be substituted into the function to model the tides. Given the complexity of real-world tidal patterns and the influence of factors such as the Moon's gravity and local topography, the function might require further adjustment to accurately represent the tides in the Bay of Fundy.