Question

what happens during a neap tide? the moon and sun are at a 23.5° angle; the moon and sun pull together at a 180 degree angle; the moon and sun pull against each other at a 90 degree angle; the moon and sun are in alignment

Explanation:

To determine what happens during a neap tide, we recall the tidal theory: Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are at a 90 - degree angle (right angle) relative to Earth. This means their gravitational pulls partially counteract each other, leading to smaller tidal ranges.

• The 23.5° angle is related to Earth's axial tilt, not tides.
• A 180° angle (Sun and Moon on opposite sides of Earth) causes spring tides (larger tidal ranges).
• Alignment (either 0° or 180°) also causes spring tides. So the correct description for neap tides is the Moon and Sun pulling against each other at a 90 - degree angle.

Answer:

The option with "The moon and sun pull against each other at a 90 degree angle" (the orange - colored option in the original question's display).