Question 1

What force primarily causes tides on Earth?

Accepted Answer

The Moon's gravitational force

Question 2

Explain why there are typically two high tides and two low tides each day.

Accepted Answer

The Moon's gravity pulls the ocean on the near side, and inertia causes a bulge on the far side, creating two high tides.

Question 3

How does the Sun contribute to tides on Earth?

Accepted Answer

The Sun's gravity also pulls on the oceans, but its effect is about half that of the Moon due to its greater distance.

Question 4

Describe what a spring tide is and explain when it occurs.

Accepted Answer

Spring tides are extreme tides (higher high tides and lower low tides) that occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned during the new moon and full moon phases.

Question 5

What is a neap tide, and under what conditions does it occur?

Accepted Answer

Neap tides are moderate tides that occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other, during the first and third quarter moon phases, partially canceling each other's effects.

What Causes Tides?

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