Consider the following statements regarding the Moon's gravitational force: 1. It is the only force responsible for tides. 2. It is more than twice as strong as the sun's gravitational pull on the earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only Explanation Tides are the periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of gravitational forces exerted by the Moon, the Sun, and the rotation of the Earth. The magnitude of these forces determines the height and frequency of the tides. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct. In the context of oceanography and tide generation, the tide-generating force is the differential gravitational pull exerted by a celestial body on the Earth. Although the Sun is far more massive than the Moon, it is also much farther away. Since the tide-generating force varies inversely with the cube of the distance, the Moon’s proximity makes its effective tidal pull on the Earth approximately 2.17 times stronger than that of the Sun. - Statement 2 is Incorrect. The Moon’s gravitational force is not the sole cause of tides. The Sun’s gravitational pull also contributes significantly (creating Spring and Neap tides depending on alignment). Furthermore, the centrifugal force resulting from the Earth's rotation acts outwards, balancing the gravitational pull and contributing to the tidal bulge on the side of the Earth facing away from the Moon. Key Takeaway: While the Sun exerts a stronger total gravitational pull on Earth, the Moon exerts a stronger tide-generating force (roughly double that of the Sun) due to its closeness to Earth.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 2: Movements of Ocean Water

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Consider the following statements regarding the Moon's gravitational force:

It is the only force responsible for tides.
It is more than twice as strong as the sun's gravitational pull on the earth.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ANeither 1 nor 2
BBoth 1 and 2
C2 only
D1 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

Tides are the periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of gravitational forces exerted by the Moon, the Sun, and the rotation of the Earth. The magnitude of these forces determines the height and frequency of the tides.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct. In the context of oceanography and tide generation, the tide-generating force is the differential gravitational pull exerted by a celestial body on the Earth. Although the Sun is far more massive than the Moon, it is also much farther away. Since the tide-generating force varies inversely with the cube of the distance, the Moon’s proximity makes its effective tidal pull on the Earth approximately 2.17 times stronger than that of the Sun.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. The Moon’s gravitational force is not the sole cause of tides. The Sun’s gravitational pull also contributes significantly (creating Spring and Neap tides depending on alignment). Furthermore, the centrifugal force resulting from the Earth's rotation acts outwards, balancing the gravitational pull and contributing to the tidal bulge on the side of the Earth facing away from the Moon.

Key Takeaway: While the Sun exerts a stronger total gravitational pull on Earth, the Moon exerts a stronger tide-generating force (roughly double that of the Sun) due to its closeness to Earth.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Movements of Ocean Water

Consider the following factors: 1. The shape of bays and estuaries has no influence on the magnitude of tides. 2. Presence of wide continental shelves. 3. Presence of mid-oceanic islands. Which of the above factors can influence the height or magnitude of tidal bulges?

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Which of the following best describes the general movement of warm ocean currents?

easy

With reference to the movements of ocean water, consider the following statements: 1. Ocean currents represent the horizontal motion of water while tides represent the vertical motion. 2. In waves, the water moves ahead from one place to another along with the wave train. 3. The upwelling of cold water from the subsurface is a form of horizontal motion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the characteristics of ocean waves: 1. The largest waves are typically found in open oceans rather than enclosed seas. 2. Steep waves are generally old and originate from far away places. 3. Slow and steady waves usually originate from far away places. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The maximum height of a wave is determined by which of the following factors? 1. The strength of the wind has no role in determining wave height. 2. The duration for which the wind blows. 3. The area over which the wind blows in a single direction. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

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The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct. In the context of oceanography and tide generation, the tide-generating force is the differential gravitational pull exerted by a celestial body on the Earth. Although the Sun is far more massive than the Moon, it is also much farther away. Since the tide-generating force varies inversely with the cube of the distance, the Moon’s proximity makes its effective tidal pull on the Earth approximately 2.17 times stronger than that of the Sun.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. The Moon’s gravitational force is not the sole cause of tides. The Sun’s gravitational pull also contributes significantly (creating Spring and Neap tides depending on alignment). Furthermore, the centrifugal force resulting from the Earth's rotation acts outwards, balancing the gravitational pull and contributing to the tidal bulge on the side of the Earth facing away from the Moon.