How does the force of gravity cause tidal coupling between celestial objects?
The relation between the tidal coupling and the force of gravity between celestial objects.
Answer to Problem 1RQ
The force of gravity between the celestial objects raises tidal bulges on the objects. The rotations of the objects relative to each other slow down due to the friction between the tidal bulges until they locked to each other.
Explanation of Solution
Tidal coupling is a phenomenon in which the rotation of an object is locked to another object. The orbiting object always has the same face towards the object, around which it is orbiting.
The force of gravity between the celestial objects raises tidal bulges on the objects. The rotations of the objects relative to each other slow down due to the friction between the tidal bulges until they locked to each other.
Earth-Moon system is an example of tidal coupling. The friction between the tidal bulges produced by the gravitational force between the Earth and the Moon slows down the moon until now it rotates once each orbit. This is the reason for the Moon facing the same side of Earth always.
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Chapter 21 Solutions
Foundations of Astronomy
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