With reference to the forces generating tides, consider the following statements: 1. The moon’s gravitational pull is the primary cause for the occurrence of tides. 2. Centrifugal force acts in the same direction as gravity. 3. On the side of the earth facing the moon, the gravitational attraction of the moon is greater than the centrifugal force. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation Tides are the rhythmical rise and fall of ocean water caused by the combined effects of the gravitational attraction of the Moon and the Sun, along with the centrifugal force generated by the Earth's rotation. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The Moon’s gravitational pull is the primary cause of tides. Although the Sun is far more massive, the Moon exerts a greater tide-generating force (approximately double that of the Sun) because it is much closer to the Earth. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Centrifugal force acts in the direction opposite to the gravitational attraction of the Moon. While gravity pulls water towards the Moon, centrifugal force acts outwards, away from the center of rotation, to counterbalance gravity. - Statement 3 is Correct: On the side of the Earth facing the Moon, the gravitational attraction is at its maximum and exceeds the centrifugal force. This net force pulls the water towards the Moon, creating a tidal bulge. On the opposite side of the Earth, the centrifugal force is greater than the Moon's gravitational pull, causing a second bulge away from the Moon. Key Takeaway: The horizontal tide-generating force is the resultant of the difference between the gravitational pull of the Moon and the centrifugal force. These forces act in opposite directions to create two simultaneous tidal bulges on opposite sides of the Earth.

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

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With reference to the forces generating tides, consider the following statements:

The moon’s gravitational pull is the primary cause for the occurrence of tides.
Centrifugal force acts in the same direction as gravity.
On the side of the earth facing the moon, the gravitational attraction of the moon is greater than the centrifugal force.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 3 only
C1 and 2 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Tides are the rhythmical rise and fall of ocean water caused by the combined effects of the gravitational attraction of the Moon and the Sun, along with the centrifugal force generated by the Earth's rotation.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Moon’s gravitational pull is the primary cause of tides. Although the Sun is far more massive, the Moon exerts a greater tide-generating force (approximately double that of the Sun) because it is much closer to the Earth.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Centrifugal force acts in the direction opposite to the gravitational attraction of the Moon. While gravity pulls water towards the Moon, centrifugal force acts outwards, away from the center of rotation, to counterbalance gravity.
Statement 3 is Correct: On the side of the Earth facing the Moon, the gravitational attraction is at its maximum and exceeds the centrifugal force. This net force pulls the water towards the Moon, creating a tidal bulge. On the opposite side of the Earth, the centrifugal force is greater than the Moon's gravitational pull, causing a second bulge away from the Moon.

Key Takeaway: The horizontal tide-generating force is the resultant of the difference between the gravitational pull of the Moon and the centrifugal force. These forces act in opposite directions to create two simultaneous tidal bulges on opposite sides of the Earth.

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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?

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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 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Moon’s gravitational pull is the primary cause of tides. Although the Sun is far more massive, the Moon exerts a greater tide-generating force (approximately double that of the Sun) because it is much closer to the Earth.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Centrifugal force acts in the direction opposite to the gravitational attraction of the Moon. While gravity pulls water towards the Moon, centrifugal force acts outwards, away from the center of rotation, to counterbalance gravity.
Statement 3 is Correct: On the side of the Earth facing the Moon, the gravitational attraction is at its maximum and exceeds the centrifugal force. This net force pulls the water towards the Moon, creating a tidal bulge. On the opposite side of the Earth, the centrifugal force is greater than the Moon's gravitational pull, causing a second bulge away from the Moon.