How to calculate the size and orientation of a tidal bulge

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the size of a tidal bulge caused by the moon, including the use of gravity calculations and accounting for the Earth's rotation. The conversation also mentions the possibility of applying these calculations to other orbiting bodies and suggests an article for further information.
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em370
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How would one go about calculating the size of a tidal bulge created by the moon? I know how to calculate the gravity between two points and to calculate the attractive force of matter to the center of the Earth in the bulge you would subtract its opposite direction attraction to the matter, but how would you do this with a large amount of matter and be able to calculate the loss in compression in that area? Also, because the Earth spins faster than the moon the bulge would be ahead of the the moon causing it to speed up due to a slight increase in gravity from the direction of the bulge. How would you be able to calculate how far ahead of the moon the bulge would be? I am specifically asking about the Earth and moon but would appreciate it if the formulas could be expanded so that they could be viable for other orbiting bodies.
 
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Related to How to calculate the size and orientation of a tidal bulge

1. What causes tidal bulges?

Tidal bulges are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun on the Earth's oceans. The moon's gravitational pull is stronger due to its closer proximity to the Earth, creating a larger bulge.

2. How is the size of a tidal bulge calculated?

The size of a tidal bulge is calculated using the formula: Tidal Bulge = (2 x Gravitational Force x Mass of Attracting Body x Radius of Attracting Body)/ (Distance between Attracting Bodies)^3. This formula takes into account the gravitational force between the two bodies, their masses, and the distance between them.

3. What is the orientation of a tidal bulge?

The orientation of a tidal bulge is perpendicular to the line connecting the two attracting bodies. This means that the bulge will be located on either side of the Earth, with one bulge facing towards the attracting body and the other facing away.

4. How does the Earth's rotation affect tidal bulges?

The Earth's rotation causes tidal bulges to move around the Earth's surface, resulting in the tides we observe. As the Earth rotates, different locations on the Earth's surface will experience high and low tides at different times.

5. Can the size and orientation of tidal bulges change?

Yes, the size and orientation of tidal bulges can change due to various factors such as changes in the Earth's rotation, the moon's orbit, and the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth. This can result in variations in tidal patterns and heights.

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