How can tidal forces affect the rotation of celestial bodies and their orbital motion? Hint: Consider Earth and the Moon

What will be an ideal response?


Tidal forces affect orbital motion. For example, Earth rotates eastward, and friction with the ocean bed drags the tidal bulges slightly eastward out of a direct Earth-Moon line. These tidal bulges are massive, and their gravitational field pulls the Moon forward in its orbit. As a result, the Moon's orbit is growing larger by about 3.8 cm a year. Earth's gravitation exerts tidal forces on the Moon, and friction within the flexing rock has slowed the Moon's rotation to the point that it now keeps the same face toward Earth.

Physics & Space Science

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The Earth is geologically dead and the Moon is geologically active

a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false

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Impedance: The impedance of anĀ RCĀ circuit containing a 40.0-?F capacitor is 800 ?. If the frequency of the applied ac voltage is 18.0 Hz, what is the resistance of the resistor?

A. 569 ? B. 669 ? C. 769 ? D. 869 ? E. 800 ?

Physics & Space Science

The magnetic quantum number can have any integer value ranging from

A) -n to +n. B) -? to +?. C) 0 to n. D) 0 to ?. E) ? to 2? + 1.

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The simplest life forms appeared on Earth when it was how old?

A) five million years B) one billion years C) 2.5 billion years D) 3.5 billion years E) 4.5 billion years

Physics & Space Science