In Figure 5.31, we saw that tides on the Earth are due to the variation of the Moon???s gravitational force with distance. Find the approximate ratio of the Moon???s gravitational force on two portions of the ocean, one nearest the Moon and one on the opposite side of the Earth.

Figure 5.31

Transcribed Image Text:

Moon's gravitational force is larger here because the ocean is closer to the Moon. Мoon Ocean Solid Earth water A Force is larger on the solid Earth because it is closer to the Moon. Мoon Solíd Ocean Earth water B Combining A and B, the oceans “bulge" on both sides of the Earth. Мoon Ocean Solid Earth water