Are the maximum-amplitude tides produced when the sun earth and moon are aligned?

Yes, the maximum-amplitude tides, known as spring tides, occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a straight line. This alignment happens during the new moon and full moon phases, leading to stronger gravitational pull on the Earth's oceans and resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. Conversely, when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other relative to the Earth, the tides are less extreme, known as neap tides.