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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun, on the Earth's oceans. The gravitational force of the Moon varies across the sphere of the Earth, with the side nearest to the Moon experiencing a stronger gravitational pull than the side farthest from the Moon. This difference in force is what causes the ocean tides to rise and fall.

Which of the Following Best Describes the Origin of Ocean