Question

evaluate which model correctly shows the positions of the sun, earth, and the moon that result in the smallest gravitational force acting on earth’s oceans? fsas sc.8.e.5.9, sc.8.n.1.1

Explanation:

Step1: Recall gravitational - force principle

The gravitational force between two objects is given by $F = G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$, where $G$ is the gravitational constant, $m_1$ and $m_2$ are the masses of the two objects, and $r$ is the distance between them. The combined gravitational force on Earth's oceans due to the Sun and the Moon is smallest when the Sun - Earth - Moon angle is $90^{\circ}$.

Step2: Analyze the models

In model A, the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun. In model B, the Sun - Earth - Moon form a right - angle. When the Sun and the Moon pull on Earth's oceans at right - angles to each other, their gravitational effects partially cancel out, resulting in the smallest combined gravitational force on the oceans.

Answer:

B. Option Text