Unit 5 Indiana Science Fusion Lesson 3

1. Which gravitional pull has the greatest effect on the tides?

The sun's gravitational pull on Earth

The moon's gravitational pull on Earth

Earth's gravitational pull on the moon

The sun's gravitational pull on the moon

The moon's gravitational pull on Earth has the greatest effect on the tides. This is because the moon is much closer to Earth than the sun, and its gravitational force is stronger. The moon's gravitational pull causes the water on Earth to bulge towards it, creating a high tide. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet experience high tides and low tides. The sun also has an effect on the tides, but it is less significant compared to the moon's influence.

Explanation

The moon's gravitational pull on Earth has the greatest effect on the tides. This is because the moon is much closer to Earth than the sun, and its gravitational force is stronger. The moon's gravitational pull causes the water on Earth to bulge towards it, creating a high tide. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet experience high tides and low tides. The sun also has an effect on the tides, but it is less significant compared to the moon's influence.

2. During which two phases of the moon do neap tides take place?

New moon, full moon

New moon, first quarter moon

Third quarter moon, full moon

First quarter moon, third quarter moon

Neap tides occur during the first quarter moon and third quarter moon phases. During these phases, the gravitational forces of the sun and the moon act on the Earth at right angles, resulting in the lowest tidal range. This happens because the gravitational pull of the sun and moon partially cancel each other out, leading to weaker tides.

Explanation

Neap tides occur during the first quarter moon and third quarter moon phases. During these phases, the gravitational forces of the sun and the moon act on the Earth at right angles, resulting in the lowest tidal range. This happens because the gravitational pull of the sun and moon partially cancel each other out, leading to weaker tides.

3. What is tidal range?

A tide of minimum range that takes place two times a month

The difference in levels of ocean water at high tide and at low tide

A rise in ocean water levels that takes place on the side of Earth nearest the moon

Tidal range refers to the difference in levels of ocean water at high tide and low tide. It is the vertical distance between the highest point reached by the tide (high tide) and the lowest point (low tide). This difference is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun on Earth's oceans, resulting in the periodic rise and fall of water levels. The other options mentioned in the question do not accurately describe tidal range.

Explanation

Tidal range refers to the difference in levels of ocean water at high tide and low tide. It is the vertical distance between the highest point reached by the tide (high tide) and the lowest point (low tide). This difference is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun on Earth's oceans, resulting in the periodic rise and fall of water levels. The other options mentioned in the question do not accurately describe tidal range.

4. How often does the moon pass over a particular spot on Earth's surface, causing tides as a result of its gracitational pull?

Once every 10 seconds

Once every 12 hours and 25 minutes

Once every 24 hours and 50 minutes

Once every 14 days

The moon passes over a particular spot on Earth's surface, causing tides, once every 24 hours and 50 minutes. This is because the moon takes approximately 24 hours to complete one full revolution around the Earth, but because the Earth is also moving around the sun, it takes an additional 50 minutes for the moon to return to the same spot relative to the sun. This 24-hour and 50-minute cycle is known as a lunar day and is responsible for the regular occurrence of tides.

Explanation

The moon passes over a particular spot on Earth's surface, causing tides, once every 24 hours and 50 minutes. This is because the moon takes approximately 24 hours to complete one full revolution around the Earth, but because the Earth is also moving around the sun, it takes an additional 50 minutes for the moon to return to the same spot relative to the sun. This 24-hour and 50-minute cycle is known as a lunar day and is responsible for the regular occurrence of tides.

5. Roman is writing an "equation" to show the effect of the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon on tidal range during neap tides. Which equation would Roman use to show this effect?

Sun + moon = maximum tidal range

Sun + Earth = maximum tidal range

Moon - sun = minimum tidal range

Earth - moon = minimum tidal range

During neap tides, the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun is in opposition, resulting in a smaller tidal range. The equation "moon - sun = minimum tidal range" represents this effect, as the subtraction indicates the opposing forces of the moon and the sun, which leads to a minimum tidal range.

Explanation

During neap tides, the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun is in opposition, resulting in a smaller tidal range. The equation "moon - sun = minimum tidal range" represents this effect, as the subtraction indicates the opposing forces of the moon and the sun, which leads to a minimum tidal range.