Question

2. Tidal Force on lo. We will be calculating the tidal force Earth would have exerted on the Moon shortly after the Moon

formed, when it was only about 1/10 its current distance from Earth. To do this follow these steps and answer them
1. Use the force of gravity equation as a base and develop an equation for the tidal force (keep in mind that the force
of gravity is acting on an object on the far side and on the near side). (10 points)
2. Calculate the force of gravity on the near side. (Keep in mind that the distance from the Earth to the moon is at the
center so you have to also subtract the radius of the moon). (10 points)
3. Calculate the force of gravity on the far side. (Keep in mind that the distance from the Earth to the moon is at the
center so you have to also add the radius of the moon). (10 points)
4. How much greater was the tidal force then than it is today? (10 points)
5. What does this tell you about how a factor of 10 change in distance affects the tidal force? (10 points)

Answer 1

To calculate the tidal force exerted by the Earth on the Moon when it was closer, we can use the equation for gravitational force and adjust for the distances and radii involved. The tidal force then was much greater than it is today, and a factor of 10 change in distance results in a 100-fold change in the tidal force.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the tidal force exerted by the Earth on the Moon at a distance that is 1/10 of its current distance, we can start with the equation for gravitational force between two objects: F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2.

For the near side of the Moon, the distance from the Earth to the Moon is reduced by the radius of the Moon, while for the far side, the distance is increased by the radius of the Moon.

The tidal force is the difference between the force on the near side and the force on the far side. To calculate how much greater the tidal force was back then compared to today, you can subtract the force of gravity at the current distance from the force of gravity at the previous distance.

A factor of 10 change in distance affects the tidal force by multiplying it by a factor of 100, since the force of gravity depends on the square of the distance.

Learn more about Gravity and Tidal Force