UPSC Prelims 2001 · General Studies

Question 32: Geography

Assertion (A): During the Neap Tides, the high tide is lower and the low tide is higher than usual. Reason (R): The Neap Tide, unlike the Spring Tide, occurs on the New Moon instead of on the Full Moon.

aBoth A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A

bBoth A and R are individually true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A

cA is true, but R is false

dA is false, but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (c).

A is true: at neap tides the Sun and Moon pull at right angles, so the high tide is lower and the low tide higher than usual. R is false: neap tides occur at the first and last quarter of the Moon, about a week after new and full moon, while spring tides occur at new and full moon when the Sun, Moon and Earth are in a line. Remember spring tides at syzygy and neap tides at quadrature.

A. At neap tides the high tide is lower and the low tide higher than usual.
R. Neap tides occur at the quarter moons; new moon and full moon bring spring tides.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) R is false, so it cannot explain A.
(b) R is false, not merely a non-explanation.
(c) Right: A is true, R is false.
(d) A is true, not false.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2001, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.