2007-10-23 14:16:14 · 4 answers · asked by brthrjon 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Gravity decreases with distance.
So on the side of the Earth nearest the Moon, the gravity from the moon is the strongest. But on the opposite side of the Earth the gravity from the moon is the weakest.
On the near side, the Earth is pulled the strongest towards the moon. As you move along the Earth's surface, the force of gravity at each point is just a little less than on the closest point. By the time you get to the opposite side, the gravity force is the least.
So the Earth is slightly squashed by the changing strength of the moon's gravity as you move on the Earth's surface.
2007-10-23 15:03:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Draw a circle. That represents the Earth.
Now, draw a bulge on one side. That represents the bulge caused by the the tide. When one side bulges, the next side becomes depressed. So, opposite sides bulge, with the 2 sides at 90 degrees are depressed.
2007-10-23 21:32:02 · answer #2 · answered by Nothingusefullearnedinschool 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Moon tugs on water, also on the solid earth, so the water moves toward the moon creating a tide, and the earth moves toward the moon creating a tide on the other side.
2007-10-23 21:34:57 · answer #3 · answered by Howard H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask this gentle man who is doing research on this subject.
Mr Vengadanathan,Madras university, E Mail
physics16972@rediffmail.com
2007-10-24 10:14:55 · answer #4 · answered by A.Ganapathy India 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋