Tidal waves are caused by which of the following gravitational interactions?

The correct answer is Moon's gravitational impact on the Earth.

Key Points

• The Moon's gravitational pull creates tidal forces on the Earth.
• The side of the Earth facing the Moon experiences a stronger gravitational pull, creating a bulge of water.
• The opposite side of the Earth also experiences a bulge due to the inertia of water.
• This results in two high tides and two low tides each day.

Important Points

• The gravitational forces between the Earth and the Moon are responsible for the phenomenon of tides.
• The Sun also exerts a gravitational force on the Earth, but it is less influential in causing tides compared to the Moon.
• Spring tides occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in alignment, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.
• Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in less extreme tides.