Which of the following positions of Sun, Earth and Moon is/are suitable for Spring Tide?

1. SYZYGY Conjunction

2. SYZYGY Opposition

3. Quadrature

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

NDA General Ability Test 16 April 2023 Official Paper

Answer 1

The correct answer is 1 and 2.

Key Points

For spring tides, the suitable positions are:
- SYZYGY Conjunction
- SYZYGY Opposition
Spring tides occur during the SYZYGY, which is a straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies in a gravitational system. In the context of tides on Earth, SYZYGY refers to the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.
There are two types of syzygy positions that are relevant for tides:
- SYZYGY Conjunction:
  - This is when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a straight line with the Moon between the Earth and the Sun.
  - During this alignment, the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon combine, leading to higher high tides and lower low tides.
  - This is conducive to the occurrence of spring tides.
- SYZYGY Opposition:
  - This is when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a straight line with the Earth between the Sun and the Moon.
  - Similar to conjunction, this alignment also leads to higher high tides and lower low tides, promoting the occurrence of spring tides.
Quadrature refers to a position where the Sun, Earth, and Moon form a right angle.
- This position is associated with neap tides, where the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon partially cancel each other out, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.