The correct option is (b).
Explanation
Tides are the periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun, along with the Earth's rotation. The height and intensity of tides vary depending on the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.Statement 1 is Incorrect: Neap tides do not occur during full moon or new moon days. Instead, they occur during the first and third quarters of the moon. Tides occurring during the full moon and new moon are known as Spring Tides, where the gravitational forces are strongest.
Statement 2 is Correct: During neap tides, the Sun, Earth, and Moon form a right angle (quadrature). In this configuration, the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon acts in perpendicular directions. The text describes this as the waters being drawn in "diagonally opposite" directions, meaning the solar tide tends to counteract the lunar tide. The high tide caused by the Sun coincides with the low tide caused by the Moon, reducing the overall tidal bulge.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Neap tides are characterized by a lower tidal range. The high tides are lower than normal, and the low tides are higher than normal. It is the Spring Tides that result in exceptionally high high tides and low low tides due to the combined gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon.
Key Takeaway: Spring Tides occur at full/new moon (syzygy) and have the highest tidal range. Neap Tides occur at the first/third quarters (quadrature) and have the lowest tidal range due to the counteracting gravitational forces.