Which of the following best describes the origin of ocean tides on Earth?
A) Tides are caused by the difference in the force of gravity exerted by the Moon across the sphere of the Earth.
B) The Moon's gravity pulls harder on water than on land, because water is less dense than rock.
C) Tides are caused by the 23.5-degree tilt of the Earth's rotational axis to the ecliptic plane.
D) Tides are caused on the side of the Earth nearest the Moon because the Moon's gravity attracts the water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon on the Earth's oceans. This gravitational force causes a bulge of water to form on the side of the Earth closest to the Moon, and a second bulge to form on the opposite side of the Earth. This results in two high tides and two low tides every day. The Sun's gravity also plays a role in creating tides, but to a lesser extent than the Moon's gravity.

Which of the Following Best Describes the Origin of Ocean