Question

Student A: Higher than normal tides occur during the first and third quarter moon

phases.
Student B: Earth experiences higher than normal high tides during a spring tide like you
see in the illustration.
Student C: The Sun has greater gravitational pull than the Moon on the tides because
the Sun is more massive.
Student D: The Moon does not have an effect on the tides experienced on Earth.
Which student is correct?

Answer 1

Student B is correct; high tides are most pronounced during spring tides when Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are aligned. Student C's statement about the Sun's gravitational pull is misleading, as the Moon has a greater impact on tides owing to its proximity. Student D is incorrect; the Moon significantly influences Earth's tides.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the students, Student B is correct. Higher than normal high tides occur during spring tides, which happen when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned during a new or full moon. Student A is incorrect as higher than normal tides do not occur during the first and third quarter moon phases, but rather during new and full moons.

These are the conditions for spring tides, where the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun work together to create the strongest tidal effects. Student C is partially correct; while the Sun's gravitational pull is indeed stronger due to its greater mass, the Moon has a greater effect on tides because it is closer to Earth.

Lastly, Student D is incorrect; the Moon has a significant effect on Earth's tides, being the primary force behind the tidal bulges due to its proximity to Earth.