Question

alan lives along the coast of the pacific ocean. he decides to record the difference between the high and low tides along the shore every day for three months. if alan is comparing these observations with observations of the lunar cycle, which of the following is he most likely to find?
a. the difference between high and low tide is greatest during first quarter and last quarter.

b. the difference between high and low tide is the least during full moons and new moons.

c. the difference between high and low tide is greatest during full moons and new moons.

d. the difference between high and low tide is greatest during last quarter and is the least during first quarter.

Explanation:

Tides are influenced by the gravitational pull of the Moon (and Sun). During full moons and new moons, the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned. This alignment causes the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon to combine, leading to higher high tides and lower low tides, so the difference (tidal range) between high and low tide is greatest. During first and last quarters, the Sun and Moon are at right angles relative to Earth, so their gravitational forces partially cancel out, leading to smaller tidal ranges (neap tides), while full and new moons have spring tides with larger ranges. Option A is incorrect because the greatest range isn't during first/last quarters. Option B is incorrect as full/new moons have the greatest, not least, range. Option D is incorrect as it misrepresents the tidal range patterns.

Answer:

C. The difference between high and low tide is greatest during full moons and new moons.