Correct exaggerated drawing of tides

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    Drawing Tides
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the representation of tidal forces and the accuracy of various diagrams illustrating these effects. Participants debate the correctness of specific diagrams labeled A, B, and C, and seek to understand the underlying reasons for the formation of tidal bulges in relation to the moon's gravitational pull.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that diagram A is correct in illustrating tidal forces, while others believe that diagrams B and C provide a more accurate representation.
  • One participant questions whether the radius of the ocean is the same on both sides and seeks clarification on this point.
  • There is a discussion about the adequacy of the Wikipedia article on tides, with some participants expressing that it does not adequately explain why there are two tidal bulges of equal height.
  • Another participant points to a different Wikipedia article on tidal forces that purportedly explains the dual bulge phenomenon more effectively.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on which diagram is correct, and multiple competing views regarding the representation of tidal forces remain. The discussion about the explanation for the dual bulges is also unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the explanations provided in the referenced Wikipedia articles, particularly about the reasons for the formation of two tidal bulges and their equal heights. There is also a noted dependence on the clarity of definitions and diagrams presented in these sources.

twain
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Hi. Some books explain tides as a result of the gravitational pull of the moon with an exaggerated drawing like A below.

It seems to me that A is not correct, but B and C are more like it. Because the moon pulls all water towards it, not just one side.

Which is correct and WHY?
 

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A is correct.
 
Check here for a discussion:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tide

You can also try "tidal effects" in general relativity, but thatmay be more complex a discussion.
 
That seems a long read. Where does it say A is correct?
 
Let me just rephrase the question: Is the radius of the ocean the same on both sides and WHY?
 
That seems a long read. Where does it say A is correct?

Anyone who can't be bothered to read through relatively short passages like the wiki referred to would be best advised to try a non technical subject instead.

I scrolled down the wiki and within the first 15% came across a diagram, identical to A with a simple and easy explanation attached.

What more do you want?
 
I scrolled down the wiki

In other words you did not READ the wiki, thank you for agreeing with me that it is too long a read.

What more do you want?

I do not see the answer to the following below.

Is the radius of the ocean the same on both sides and WHY?

Having now read the whole part about that diagram, it does not give a reason why the equipotential surface of the tidal force should have two bulges. Let alone two bulges of equal height from the center.
 
Naty1 said:
Check here for a discussion:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tide

twain said:
Having now read the whole part about that diagram, it does not give a reason why the equipotential surface of the tidal force should have two bulges. Let alone two bulges of equal height from the center.

I agree that the wikipedia article about 'tide' does not offer explanation for the fact that planetary tidal effects give rise to two tidal bulges, on opposite sides of the planet.

However, there is also the wikipedia article about 'tidal force'.
The page with the two-panel diagram http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tidal-forces.png" specifically explains the dual bulge.
 
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