Question

Note: Image is not drawn to scale

When the Earth, Sun, and Moon are in the positions shown above,
A.
the height difference between high tide and low tide will be greatest.
B.
low tide occurs, but high tide does not.
C.
the height difference between high tide and low tide is at its least.
D.
high tide occurs, but low tide does not.

Answer 1

The scenario you described likely involves the alignment of the Earth, Sun, and Moon. When the Moon is in line with the Sun and Earth (during new moons and full moons), the gravitational forces from both the Sun and the Moon combine to create the highest and lowest tides, known as spring tides.

Given that the question implies a specific position of the Earth, Sun, and Moon (though it's not depicted here), if we assume they are aligned, the correct answer would be:

**A. the height difference between high tide and low tide will be greatest.**

If the positions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon are not aligned (as during the first and third quarters of the Moon), option C would be more accurate, but from the context, "greatest" is more plausible with alignment.