Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following?

Gravitational force of the Sun
Gravitational force of the Moon
Centrifugal force of the Earth

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1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2015

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Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull exerted by the Moon and the Sun on the Earth’s oceans. The gravitational force of the Moon is the dominant factor due to its closer proximity to Earth. Additionally, the centrifugal force resulting from the rotation of the Earth-Moon system around its common center of mass also contributes to tidal bulges on the side of Earth opposite to the Moon. Therefore, the gravitational forces of both the Sun and the Moon, along with the centrifugal force of the Earth’s rotation (within the Earth-Moon system), contribute to the occurrence of tides. All three statements are correct.

The primary forces causing tides are the gravitational attraction of the Moon and the Sun and the inertial (centrifugal) force of the Earth-Moon system.

The gravitational pull is strongest on the side of Earth facing the Moon, creating a bulge. On the opposite side, the centrifugal force (acting outwards from the center of the Earth-Moon system’s rotation) is relatively stronger than the Moon’s gravitational pull, creating another bulge. These bulges are the high tides. Low tides occur in the areas between the bulges. The Sun’s gravity also influences tides, causing spring tides (larger tides when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned) and neap tides (smaller tides when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other relative to Earth).

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