Using equilibrium tidal theory, the tide may be considered a wave with a wavelength approximately
A) the diameter of Earth.
B) half the diameter of Earth.
C) the circumference of Earth.
D) half the circumference of Earth.
E) the radius of Earth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Equilibrium tidal theory predicts that the tide has a wavelength of approximately half the circumference of Earth. This is due to the fact that the tide is primarily driven by the gravitational interaction between the Earth and the Moon (and to a lesser extent, the Sun), and the wavelength is influenced by the distance between these bodies. The circumference of Earth is the distance around its equator, and half of this distance is equal to the distance between the Earth and the Moon. Therefore, the wavelength of the tide can be estimated to be approximately half the circumference of Earth.

Using Equilibrium Tidal Theory, the Tide May Be Considered a Wave