Final answer:
The statement is true; tidal bulges caused by the Moon's gravity result in friction that slows Earth's rotation and contributes to the Moon moving farther away at a rate of about 3.8 cm per year.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about tidal waves, or more accurately, tidal bulges, aligning along the Earth-moon line causing Earth's rotation to slow and the moon to move farther away is true. Tidal forces caused by the differential gravitational attraction between the Earth and Moon result in the formation of tidal bulges in Earth's oceans. These bulges do not simply form due to the Moon compressing or expanding the water or pulling it away from Earth, but rather due to the flow of water across Earth's surface towards the regions directly beneath and opposite the Moon, leading to a piling up of water at those points.
The Earth rotates underneath these tidal bulges, which leads to friction—an effect termed 'tidal braking'—that gradually slows down Earth's rotation. Additionally, the displaced tidal bulge on Earth creates a gravitational tug on the Moon, giving it additional energy and causing it to slowly move away from Earth at a rate of about 3.8 cm per year. This process, although very gradual, is consistent and measurable.