Final answer:
Neap tides occur when the Sun is at a right angle to the Earth-Moon alignment, leading to lower variations in tides. In contrast, spring tides bring the highest tides when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are directly aligned.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is referring to the phenomenon of neap tides, which occur when the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun interact with the Earth in a specific alignment. Specifically, neap tides happen when the Sun is at a 90° angle to the Earth-Moon alignment, forming a right angle. During this time, the Sun's gravitational pull partially cancels out the Moon's pull, leading to less extreme variations between high and low tides compared to when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are directly aligned, which causes spring tides.
On the contrary, spring tides bring the highest tides, occurring when the gravitational forces of the Sun and the Moon are combined as they align with the Earth. Whether the Sun and Moon are on the same side or on opposite sides of the Earth, tidal bulges are produced on both sides, leading to higher than normal tides.