Why are tides also high, at the same time, on the side of the earth that is "away" from the moon?

Question

Shouldn't the moon's gravity draw all the ocean water to just the one side?

Answer 1

Tides are caused by the *difference* in gravitational force from the Moon on the near and far sides of Earth.

The Moon pulls on the center of Earth with a certain gravitational force. It pulls on the near side with a stronger force, and it pulls on the far side with a weaker force. As a result, the oceans on the near side rise up toward the Moon, but the oceans on the far side get left behind (since the center is pulled more strongly than the far side) so they also rise, like they are being pulled away.

Answer 2

It has to do with centrufigal force. The spin of the earth acts as a force pushing the water a little bit away from its center (though not enough to overcome gravity).

The tide on the "away" side will be a little lower than on the side toward the moon, because the side toward the moon has both centrufigal force and the pull of the moon. On the opposite side it is mostly just centrufigal Force. And on the sides the moon is pulling "sideways".

Answer 3

The moon pull more strongly on the side of the Earth it is facing, then somewhat less at the level of the center of the Earth (but it still pulls) which is in line with the low tide line, and less still on the complete opposite side of the Earth. It is not about the Moon's pull, it is about the change of the Moon's pull as a function of the distance.

Answer 4

The sun has an effect on it too. When the sun and moon align in front of the earth, you will have very high tides on that side. When the moon is on the opposite side of the earth, is can balance a little more.

Answer 5

Hi. The tides are not equal. The 'backside' tide is caused because the Moon's gravity is LESS 8,000 away. (The Earth's diameter.)

Answer 6

Kris has got my vote. Good sharp explanation.