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Chapter 4: Problem 23

The strongest tides occur during ________ of the Moon. a. only the full phase b. only the new phase c. the full and new phases d. the first quarter and third quarter phases

Short Answer

Expert verified
c. the full and new phases

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Problem

Identify the key terms in the question. Here, we need to figure out during which phases of the Moon the strongest tides occur.
02

Know the Phases of the Moon

The Moon has several phases: new, first quarter, full, and third quarter. Each phase represents a different positioning of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
03

Recognize the Types of Tides

There are two main types of tides with respect to their strength: spring tides (strongest) and neap tides (weakest). Spring tides happen when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned.
04

Identify When Spring Tides Occur

Spring tides occur during the full and new phases of the Moon, when the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun combine to produce the highest tides.
05

Choose the Correct Answer

From the identified concepts, select the option that includes both the full and new phases: c. the full and new phases.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

spring tides
Spring tides are notable for their power and height. They occur when the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun work together.
This alignment happens during the full and new lunar phases.
When the Earth, Moon, and Sun are in a straight line, their combined gravitational pull generates higher high tides and lower low tides.
Hence, these peaks are known as spring tides.
These tides do not relate to the season 'spring'; rather, the term comes from the concept of 'springing forth.'
Spring tides happen about twice a month, during the full and new moon phases.
lunar phases
Lunar phases describe the appearance of the Moon from Earth over a roughly 29.5-day cycle.
Each phase shows a different part of the Sun-lit side of the Moon as viewed from Earth. The main lunar phases are:
  • New Moon: The Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and the side of the Moon facing Earth is not illuminated.
  • First Quarter: The Moon is at a 90-degree angle with respect to the Earth and Sun; half of the Moon is illuminated.
  • Full Moon: The Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, and the entire face of the Moon is illuminated.
  • Third Quarter: Similar to the first quarter, but the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated.

These phases occur in a predictable and repeating cycle. The strongest tides, spring tides, are seen during the new and full phases.
gravitational forces
Gravitational forces influence the tides on Earth significantly.
These forces come from both the Moon and the Sun. The Moon's gravity pulls on the Earth's water, creating bulges known as high tides. As the Earth rotates, different areas experience these high tides.
The Sun also exerts gravitational pull, though it's weaker due to the Sun's greater distance from Earth.
When the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun align, either during a new moon or a full moon, they create spring tides.
During other phases, such as the first and third quarters, the forces are at right angles, leading to neap tides, which are weaker with smaller tidal ranges.

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