Consider the following statements: 1. The rhythmic rise and fall of o...
- The rhythmic rise and fall of ocean water twice in a day are called a tide. The strong gravitational pull exerted by the sun and the moon on the earth's surface cause the tides. It is high tides when water covers much of the shore by rising to its highest level.
- It is low tides when waterfalls to its lowest level and recedes from the shore.
Consider the following statements: 1. The rhythmic rise and fall of o...
Understanding Tides
Tides are a complex phenomenon influenced by several factors, primarily the gravitational forces exerted by celestial bodies. Let's explore the two statements provided.
Statement 1: The rhythmic rise and fall of ocean water once in a day is called a tide.
- This statement is partially incorrect.
- Tides occur twice a day in most coastal areas, characterized by two high tides and two low tides within approximately a 24-hour period.
- The timing of tides is influenced by the moon's position relative to the Earth, resulting in a regular cycle rather than a single daily occurrence.
Statement 2: The strong gravitational pull exerted by the sun and the moon on the earth's surface causes the tides.
- This statement is correct.
- The moon's gravitational pull is the primary force causing tides, while the sun also plays a significant role, albeit to a lesser extent.
- As the Earth rotates, different areas experience varying gravitational forces, leading to the rise and fall of water levels.
Conclusion
- Since only the second statement is accurate, the correct answer is option B: "2 only".
- Understanding tides is essential for navigation, coastal ecology, and predicting marine activities.
In summary, while tides do reflect a rhythmic movement of water, they are not confined to once-a-day occurrences but rather follow a more complex pattern due to the gravitational dynamics between the Earth, moon, and sun.