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Chapter 4: Problem 31

What is the difference between spring tides and neap tides?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Spring tides, happening during Full Moon and New Moon, have larger tidal ranges due to the combined gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun. Neap tides, occurring during First Quarter Moon and Last Quarter Moon, have smaller tidal ranges as the gravitational forces of Moon and Sun counteract each other.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Spring Tides

Spring tides occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are in a line which is during Full Moon and New Moon. This alignment means that the gravitational pull from the Moon and Sun combine, causing high tides to be higher and low tides to be lower than average.
02

Definition of Neap Tides

Neap tides happen when the Earth, Moon, and Sun form a right angle which is during First Quarter Moon and Last Quarter Moon. In this case, the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun work against each other resulting in high tides being lower than average, and low tides higher than average.
03

Difference between Spring and Neap Tides

The key difference between spring and neap tides is therefore the position of the Earth, Moon and Sun, and their resultant gravitational forces. Spring tides occur when these bodies are aligned, causing greater tidal ranges. Neap tides occur when they are at right angles, resulting in lesser tidal ranges.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the difference between the synodic period and the sidereal period of a planet?

The synodic period of Mercury (an inferior planet) is \(115.88\) days. Calculate its sidereal period in days.

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How did the ancient Greeks explain why the Sun and Moon slowly change their positions relative to the background stars?
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