Consider the following statements with reference to neap tides: 1. Normally, there is a seven-day interval between two neap tides. 2. At this time, the Sun and the Moon are at right angles to each other. 3. The Moon's attraction is diminished by the counteracting force of the Sun's gravitational pull. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 2
- D.2 and 3
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is D, 2 and 3. Neap tides come when the Sun and the Moon pull at right angles to each other, so the Sun's pull partly cancels the Moon's; but two neap tides are about two weeks apart, not seven days.
Tides are raised mainly by the Moon, whose pull on the oceans is more than twice that of the Sun. At new moon and full moon the Sun, the Moon and the Earth are in a line, the two pulls add up, and the high tides are very high: these are spring tides. About a week later, at the first and last quarter, the Moon is at right angles to the Sun, the forces work against each other and the tidal range is smallest: these are neap tides. So spring and neap tides alternate about seven days apart, and each kind comes twice a month.
Option A is wrong because the seven-day gap is between a spring tide and the next neap tide. Option B is wrong because statement 3 is also correct. Option C is wrong because statement 1 is false.
Exam tip: Spring tide at new and full moon (in line); neap tide at the quarter moons (at right angles).
Practice Questions
View allAs per Census 2011, which one of the following is the correct descending order of States in India in respect of sex ratio (female per thousand of males)?
- A.West Bengal - Madhya Pradesh - Uttarakhand - Jammu and Kashmir
- B.Madhya Pradesh - West Bengal - Jammu and Kashmir - Uttarakhand
- C.Uttarakhand - West Bengal - Madhya Pradesh - Jammu and Kashmir
- D.West Bengal - Uttarakhand - Madhya Pradesh - Jammu and Kashmir
Show answer
In Census 2011 their sex ratios were about 963, 950, 931 and 889 females per 1,000 males. Census 2011 put India's overall sex ratio at 943.
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1. The feature is in close proximity to the Malacca Strait.
2. The Government of India proposed an international container transhipment port in this region.
3. The region is one of the most critical nesting grounds for the endangered leatherback sea turtle.
4. The region is home to dense forest, rich coral reefs and sea grass meadows.
Which one among the following geographical features is described above?
- A.Galathea Bay
- B.Gulf of Mannar
- C.Gulf of Kutch
- D.Palk Strait
Show answer
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- A.Cyprus : Mediterranean Sea
- B.Falkland : Atlantic Ocean
- C.Chagos : North Pacific Ocean
- D.Islas Cocos : Indian Ocean
Show answer
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Read the full explanation →In which one of the following soils, the salt content is so high that common salt is obtained by evaporating the saline water in some areas?
- A.Peaty soil
- B.Alluvial soil
- C.Laterite soil
- D.Arid soil
Show answer
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Read the full explanation →Which of the following statements about tropical rain forests are correct?
1. The soils of tropical rain forests are quite infertile.
2. The vegetation is evergreen, enabling photosynthesis to take place year around.
3. They have been described as 'deserts covered by trees'.
4. They are most productive land-based ecosystem.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A.2 and 4 only
- B.1, 3 and 4 only
- C.1, 2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
All four statements are true of tropical rain forests. These forests grow near the Equator, in the Amazon, the Congo basin and South-East Asia, with heavy rain and high heat all year.
Read the full explanation →