Is the gravitational force of the Sun on the Earth the same as the Earth on the Sun and moon's gravity have a greater effect on Earth's ocean tides than the Sun's gravity?
Himanshu Tiwari
Gravitational Force of the Sun on the Earth vs. Earth on the Sun:According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, the gravitational force 𝐹F between two objects is given by: 𝐹=𝐺𝑚1𝑚2𝑟2F=Gr2m1m2where 𝐺G is the gravitational constant, 𝑚1m1 and 𝑚2m2 are the masses of the two objects, and 𝑟r is the distance between their centers of mass. The magnitude of the gravitational force depends on the masses of the objects and the distance between them. The gravitational force of the Sun on the Earth (𝐹Sun on EarthFSun on Earth) is indeed the same in magnitude but opposite in direction to the gravitational force of the Earth on the Sun (𝐹Earth on SunFEarth on Sun), as described by Newton's third law of motion (action and reaction are equal and opposite). However, the effect of this gravitational force can be more noticeable on the smaller mass (Earth) due to the acceleration caused by the Sun's gravitational pull. Effect of Moon's Gravity on Earth's Ocean Tides vs. Sun's Gravity:The effect of the Moon's gravity on Earth's ocean tides is indeed greater than that of the Sun's gravity. This is primarily due to the closer proximity of the Moon to the Earth compared to the Sun. Tidal forces arise due to the gravitational pull of celestial bodies like the Moon and the Sun on Earth. The tidal force exerted by an object decreases with the cube of the distance. Even though the Sun's gravitational force on Earth is stronger than the Moon's, the Moon's tidal effect is more significant because it is closer. The tidal bulges in the Earth's oceans are primarily caused by the Moon's gravitational pull, leading to higher tides. The Sun also contributes to tides, but to a lesser extent due to its greater distance.
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Chuck A Arize
Yes, that's right.
The gravitational force of the Sun and Earth on each other is equal and opposite.
The Moon's gravity has a greater effect on Earth's tides because it's closer to Earth. This creates a stronger difference in gravitational pull across the Earth, which is what causes tides.
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