Chapter 13, Problem 16A

Do tides depend more on the strength of gravitational pull or on the difference in strengths? Explain.

To determine

To identify: Whether the tides depend more on the strength of gravitational pull or on the difference in strengths.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Every planet in the universe is exerting a gravitational pull on the other planets. Moon also exert a gravitational force on earth.

Tides are caused by the differences in the strengths of gravity from one spot to other spot. As moon is nearer to earth than sun, moon has larger gravitational gradient than sun. Moon's plays major role in creating tides in oceans. When the sun and moon are aligned, then combined effect of these theses high tides. This occurs during full moon. And when the sun and moon are not aligned then low tides occurs.

Conclusion:

Tides depend more on the difference in strength of the gravity rather than the strength of the pull.