The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Tides are the periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun, and the rotation of the Earth. The magnitude of tides is significantly influenced by the relative alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.Statement 1 is Incorrect: Spring tides do not occur when the moon is in its first and last quarter. During the first and last quarters, the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other relative to the Earth. This configuration causes the gravitational forces to counteract each other, resulting in Neap Tides, which have a lower tidal range. Spring tides occur specifically during the Full Moon and New Moon phases.
Statement 2 is Correct: Spring tides occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned in a straight line. This linear alignment is astronomically referred to as syzygy. During this alignment, the gravitational pull of the Sun is added to the gravitational pull of the Moon.
Statement 3 is Correct: Due to the combined gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon acting along the same line, the water is pulled more strongly. This results in the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. Therefore, Spring tides represent the period of the maximum tidal range.
Key Takeaway: Spring Tides occur during Syzygy (New Moon and Full Moon) and result in the highest tidal amplitude, whereas Neap Tides occur during Quadrature (First and Third Quarter Moon) and result in the lowest tidal amplitude.