Question

Different relative positions of the sun, the moon, and Earth have different effects on Earth’s oceans. Which description of the sun, moon, and Earth positions will have the least effect on ocean tides?

A) During a spring tide when the Earth, moon, and sun are all in the same linear position.
B) During a spring tide when the Earth, moon, and sun are all in the same linear position.
C) During a neap tide when the Earth, moon, and sun are all in the same linear position.
D) During a neap tide when the Earth, moon, and sun are all in the same linear position.
E) During a spring tide when the Earth, moon, and sun are not in the same linear position.
F) During a spring tide when the Earth, moon, and sun are not in the same linear position.
G) During a neap tide when the Earth, moon, and sun are not in the same linear position.
H) During a neap tide when the Earth, moon, and sun are not in the same linear position.

Answer 1

During a neap tide when the Earth, moon, and sun are all in the same linear position.

Step-by-step explanation:

The description of the sun, moon, and Earth positions that will have the least effect on ocean tides is during a neap tide when the Earth, moon, and sun are all in the same linear position.

Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon pull at right angles to each other, resulting in lower tides than usual. The alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun in a linear position indicates that they are not reinforcing each other's tidal effects, leading to smaller tides.