6.1 - Tides

What causes tides?

• The change in atmospheric pressure

• The rotation of the Earth on its axis

• The movement of underwater currents

• The gravitational pull of the moon and sun on Earth

Answer explanation

Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun on Earth, leading to the rise and fall of ocean levels.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Why does the moon have a greater effect on tides than the sun?

• Because the moon is closer to the Earth than the sun

• Because the moon is larger than the sun

• Because the moon rotates faster than the sun

• Because the sun does not have gravitational pull

Answer explanation

The moon has a greater effect on tides than the sun because it is closer to the Earth than the sun, resulting in a stronger gravitational pull.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What are the high tides?

• Areas of water that do not move

• The average height of water

• Bulges of water on Earth's surface

• The lowest level of water during a day

Answer explanation

High tides are bulges of water on Earth's surface, caused by gravitational forces from the moon and sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How many high tides occur each day in most places?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

Answer explanation

Most places experience two high tides each day due to the gravitational forces of the moon and sun causing the water levels to rise and fall approximately every 12 hours.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the pattern of tides caused by?

• The Earth's rotation

• The moon's rotation

• The sun's rotation

• The Earth's orbit around the sun

Answer explanation

The pattern of tides is caused by the Earth's rotation, which creates gravitational forces that affect the water levels in oceans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Why are tides predictable?

• Because they are controlled by human-made structures

• Because they depend on the weather

• Because they follow a pattern based on the moon's location

• Because they are random

Answer explanation

Tides are predictable because they follow a pattern based on the moon's location, specifically due to the gravitational pull of the moon on Earth's oceans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What are low tides?

• The same as high tides

• The locations on Earth 90° to the high tide bulges

• The result of the sun's gravitational pull

• The highest level of water during a day

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Imagine you're planning a beach day. How often would you expect the tides to change from high to low at most beaches?

• Every 6 hours

• Every 12 hours

• Every 3 hours

• Every 24 hours

Answer explanation

High and low tides change every 6 hours in most places, resulting in two high tides and two low tides each day.