Examine the image. Which position(s) of the moon will result in the highest tides? Explain.
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2 and 4 because the gravity of the sun and moon are competing resulting in higher tides
Only 1 because the gravity of the sun and moon are combined to pull on Earth's oceans
1 and 3 because the gravity of the sun and moon are combined to pull on Earth's oceans
Only 2 because the gravity of the sun and moon are competing resulting in higher tides
Based on the given options, the correct answer would be: Only 2 because the gravity of the sun and moon are competing resulting in higher tides.
During positions 2 and 4, which are known as the quarter moons or neap tides, the moon and the sun are at right angles to each other with respect to the Earth. This means that the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon are competing with each other. The combined effect of their gravitational forces is not as strong as when they are aligned during positions 1 and 3, which are known as the full and new moons or spring tides.
During positions 1 and 3, the sun and the moon are aligned, either on opposite sides of the Earth (position 1) or on the same side of the Earth (position 3). This alignment causes their gravitational forces to harmonize and result in higher tides known as spring tides.
Therefore, the highest tides occur during positions 1 and 3 when the sun and moon's gravitational forces are combined.