Understanding Tides and Gravity

What causes tides on Earth?

• The rotation of the Earth

• The gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun

• The Earth's magnetic field

• The wind patterns over the oceans

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following best describes a spring tide?

• A tide that occurs when the Sun and Moon are at right angles

• A tide that occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned

• A tide that occurs only in the spring season

• A tide that is weaker than usual

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Explain how the Moon's gravitational pull affects the Earth's tides.

• It causes the Earth to rotate faster

• It creates a bulge of water on the side of Earth closest to the Moon (and farthest from the Moon!)

• It has no effect on Earth's tides

• It causes the Earth's atmosphere to expand

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is a neap tide?

• A tide that occurs when the Sun and Moon are aligned

• A tide that occurs when the Sun and Moon are at right angles

• A tide that is stronger than usual

• A tide that occurs only in the winter season

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DOK Level 1: Recall

How often do high tides occur in a typical day?

• Once

• Twice

• Three times

• Four times

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Describe the role of gravity in the formation of tides.

• Gravity pulls the Earth's atmosphere towards the Sun

• Gravity from the Moon and Sun pulls on Earth's oceans, creating tides

• Gravity has no role in the formation of tides

• Gravity causes the Earth to spin faster, creating tides

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following statements is true about the effect of the Moon on tides?

• The Moon has no effect on tides

• The Moon's gravitational pull causes the highest tides

• The Moon's gravitational pull causes the lowest tides

• The Moon's gravitational pull is weaker than the Sun's

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Predict what would happen to Earth's tides if the Moon were closer to Earth.

• Tides would become weaker

• Tides would become stronger

• Tides would remain the same

• Tides would disappear

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Which type of tide is associated with the smallest tidal range?

• Spring tide

• Neap tide

• High tide

• Low tide

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DOK Level 1: Recall

How does the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth affect the tides?

• It causes the tides to stop

• It causes spring tides, which have the greatest tidal range

• It causes neap tides, which have the greatest tidal range

• It has no effect on the tides

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept