What Causes the Tides on Earth?

In summary, the three gravitational forces that act on the oceans of the Earth to cause tides are the gravitational force of the moon, the gravitational force of the sun, and the gravitational force of the Earth. Other planets, such as Mars and Venus, also exert a force but to a lesser extent. After considering various factors, the primary forces at play are the moon, sun, and Earth.
  • #1
husky88
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Homework Statement


What three gravitational forces act on the oceans of the Earth to cause the tides?

The Attempt at a Solution


Hi. I was wondering if anyone could help me with this question.
Everyone knows it is the gravitational force of the moon, but that's about it. :frown:
Could the gravitational force of the Earth and of the sun also be involved?
But then why not add Mars and all the other planets, as they exert a force too, more or less.
I also found answers such as the gravitational force of the moon, the sun and inertia or Earth's rotation but that's not a gravitational force.
Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Check the relative influence of the Earth, Moon and Sun, and perhaps look at the influence of Mars and Venus.
 
  • #3
This question had so many marks.
After researching, I decided on the moon, the sun and the earth.
Thank you for the suggestion.
 

FAQ: What Causes the Tides on Earth?

What are gravitational forces?

Gravitational forces are the attractive forces between objects with mass. The strength of the force depends on the masses of the objects and the distance between them.

How do gravitational forces affect tides?

Gravitational forces from the moon and sun play a major role in creating tides on Earth. The moon's gravitational force pulls on the water on Earth, causing a bulge on the side of the Earth closest to the moon and a bulge on the opposite side. The sun's gravitational force also contributes to tides, but to a lesser extent.

What causes the variations in tides?

The variations in tides are caused by several factors, including the positions of the moon and sun in relation to Earth, the shape of the coastline, and the depth and shape of the ocean floor. These factors can create high and low tides of different heights and occur at different times.

How often do tides occur?

The frequency of tides varies depending on the location. In most places, there are two high tides and two low tides every day. This is known as a semi-diurnal tidal pattern. However, some locations may experience one high tide and one low tide per day (diurnal pattern) or even more than two high and low tides per day (mixed pattern).

Can gravitational forces cause other phenomena besides tides?

Yes, gravitational forces play a crucial role in many other phenomena, such as the orbits of planets and other celestial bodies, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and the bending of light. It is one of the fundamental forces in the universe and has a significant impact on the structure and behavior of objects at all scales.

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