Astronomy Practice Exam

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What characterizes neap tides?

Strong tides when the sun and moon are aligned
Weak tides when the sun and moon are perpendicular to each other
High tides occurring during a full moon
Low tides occurring during a new moon

The correct answer is: Weak tides when the sun and moon are perpendicular to each other

Neap tides are characterized by weaker tidal variations that occur when the sun and moon are positioned perpendicular to each other in relation to the Earth. This arrangement typically happens during the first and third quarters of the lunar cycle when the gravitational forces of the sun and moon partially cancel each other out. As a result, the difference between high and low tides is minimized, leading to lower high tides and higher low tides compared to spring tides, which occur when the sun and moon are aligned. Understanding this phenomenon is essential for grasping the dynamics of tidal forces and their relationship to the positions of celestial bodies.