Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2 are correct

 Key Points

Neap Tides

Neap tides occur when the gravitational force of the Moon and the Sun act at right angles to each other, which happens during the first and third quarter phases of the Moon.

Statement 1:

“Occurs every 14–15 days, coinciding with the first and third quarter of the Moon.”
Neap tides occur approximately every two weeks, aligning with the first and third quarter phases of the lunar cycle. During these phases, the gravitational pulls of the Moon and Sun partially counteract each other.
✔ Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2:

“This tide has a small tidal range because the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are in quadrature.”
During neap tides, the Sun and Moon form a right angle (quadrature position) relative to Earth. This reduces the combined gravitational effect, resulting in a smaller difference between high and low tides, known as a small tidal range.
✔ Therefore, Statement 2 is correct.

 Additional Information

• Tidal range: The difference in height between consecutive high and low tides. It is influenced by the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
• Spring tides: Occur during full moon and new moon when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, producing the highest tidal range.
• Lunar cycle: The Moon completes its phases in about 29.5 days, including new moon, first quarter, full moon, and third quarter phases.
• Gravitational force: The attraction exerted by the Moon and Sun on Earth’s water bodies, responsible for the rise and fall of tides.
• Quadrature: The position when the Moon is at a right angle to the Earth-Sun line, resulting in neap tides.