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.