Gravity and Ocean Tides

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is the force that influences the ocean tides, keeps the moon orbiting the Earth, and keeps Earth orbiting the sun.

Front

How many low and high tides occur in a 24-hour period?

Back

There are 2 low tides and 2 high tides in a 24-hour period.

Front

During which moons does the weakest gravitational pull of the Earth and Sun occur on the oceans' water?

Back

The weakest gravitational pull occurs during the first and last quarter moons.

Front

True or False: The strongest gravitational pull on Earth's ocean waters produces the largest tidal range.

Back

True.

Front

Does a diagram showing a weak gravitational pull indicate strong or weak gravitational pull on Earth's ocean waters?

Back

Weak.

Front

What is the tidal range?

Back

The tidal range is the difference in height between high tide and low tide.

Front

What causes ocean tides?

Back

Ocean tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on Earth's oceans.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide is a tide with the greatest difference between high and low water, occurring during the new and full moons.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide is a tide with the least difference between high and low water, occurring during the first and last quarter moons.

Front

How does the moon's position affect tides?

Back

The moon's position affects tides by exerting gravitational pull, causing water to bulge out towards the moon, creating high tides.