Select each correct location on the image. More than one location may be correct.

Question

The diagram below shows four positions of the Moon. Which two positions produce the highest possible tides?

Answer 1

To determine which positions of the Moon produce the highest possible tides, we need to consider the gravitational pull of the Moon on the Earth. The highest tides, known as spring tides, occur when the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are aligned, either in a straight line (during the full moon or the new moon).

In a typical diagram showing the positions of the Moon in relation to the Earth and the Sun, the positions that would produce the highest tides (spring tides) would be:

1. The position where the Moon is directly aligned with the Sun (this could be either the new moon or full moon position).
2. The position 180 degrees from that (if it’s the new moon position, the full moon position would be the one on the opposite side).

Look for positions in the diagram where the Moon is closest to being straight with the Sun and Earth.

If you can provide details of the positions or a description of the diagram, I can help specify which positions you should select for the highest possible tides.