Gravitational Pull of the Moon

Earth's Tides

Today, I am investigating the relationship between the Earth, Moon and Sun, so that I can understand the primary cause of ocean tides. 

I will know it when I can explain or illustrate the relationship between the gravitational pull of the Moon and the ocean tides.

Multiple Choice

The gravitational pull of the Sun does not affect the tides.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

What is the primary cause of the tides?

• the rotation of the Earth

• the gravitational pull of the Moon

• the gravitational pull of the Sun

Multiple Choice

If the Sun is bigger than the Moon, why does the Moon have a greater effect on tides?

• The Sun's gravity doesn't affect water.

• The Moon is much closer to Earth than the Sun.

• Although the Moon is smaller than the Sun, it has more mass.

• The Earth blocks the Sun's gravitational pull.

Multiple Choice

High tides occur:

• at either the North Pole or South Pole, depending on where the Moon is.

• on the side of the Earth facing away from the Moon only.

• on the side of the Earth facing the Moon only.

• on the side of the Earth facing the Moon, and also the opposite side.

Multiple Choice

The Moon's gravity affects:

• both the solid parts of the Earth and the oceans.

• the solid parts of the Earth only.

• the oceans only.

• the Moon only.

Multiple Choice

What do you think might happen if the Moon were only half as large as it is now?

• There would be no tides.

• The tides would rise and fall less dramatically.

• The tidal range would be greater than it is now.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a true statement about gravity?

• It acts on all matter in the universe.

• It pushes objects away from one another.

• It does not exist in outer space.

• It gets weaker the closer you get to the Sun.