Question

which model correctly shows the positions of the sun, earth, and the moon that result in the smallest gravitational force acting on earths oceans?
w
x
y
z

Explanation:

Step1: Understand gravitational force

Gravitational force \(F = \frac{GMm}{r^{2}}\), where \(G\) is the gravitational constant, \(M\) and \(m\) are masses, and \(r\) is the distance. For tides (due to gravitational force on Earth's oceans), when the Sun - Earth - Moon are at right angles (neap tides), the combined gravitational pull (from Sun and Moon) on Earth's oceans is the smallest.

Step2: Analyze each model

• In model \(W\): Sun - Earth - Moon are in a straight line (spring tides, large gravitational pull on oceans).
• In model \(X\): Sun - Earth - Moon are at right angles. The gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon on Earth's oceans partially cancel each other out.
• In model \(Y\): Sun - Earth - Moon are in a straight line (spring tides, large gravitational pull on oceans).
• In model \(Z\): Sun - Earth - Moon are in a straight line (spring tides, large gravitational pull on oceans).

Answer:

X.