Diameter in relation to tides

In summary, the diameter of the Earth plays a crucial role in the understanding of tides due to its gravitational pull. While the diameter of the Moon is much smaller, its closer proximity to the Earth still has a significant impact on tides. The Earth's diameter is not consistent on all sides due to various factors such as rotation and gravitational forces. The Sun's diameter does not directly affect tides, but its gravitational pull does contribute to spring tides. Other planets can also influence tides depending on their distance and mass.
  • #1
Francis Oliver
4
0
Hello and thanks in advance for any help you can offer. I really appreciate it.
I am learning about tides and having some trouble here:
“What would be the effect on the Earth’s tides if the diameter of the Earth were very much larger than it is? What would be the effect if the Earth were as it presently is, but the moon very much larger and the same mass?”

Thanks again.
 
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  • #2
What do you think? What determines the tidal force?
 
  • #3


I can provide some insight into the relationship between diameter and tides. The diameter of the Earth does play a role in the tides, but it is not the only factor. The main factor that affects tides is the gravitational pull of the moon on the Earth's oceans. The larger the diameter of the Earth, the stronger the gravitational pull, which could potentially result in higher tides.

If the Earth's diameter were significantly larger, it could potentially lead to more extreme tides. This is because the larger mass of the Earth would create a stronger gravitational pull on the oceans, causing them to bulge more. However, other factors such as the moon's distance from the Earth and the Earth's rotation also play a role in the tides, so it is difficult to predict exactly how much larger tides would become.

In regards to the second question, if the Earth were the same size but the moon were much larger and had the same mass, it would likely result in even more extreme tides. This is because the moon would have a stronger gravitational pull on the Earth's oceans, causing them to bulge even more. It is important to note that the mass of the moon is a crucial factor in this scenario as a larger moon with the same mass would not necessarily have a stronger gravitational pull.

In conclusion, the diameter of the Earth and the size of the moon both play a significant role in the tides. A larger diameter or a larger moon could potentially lead to more extreme tides, but other factors must also be considered. Further research and experimentation would be needed to fully understand the effects of a larger Earth or moon on tides. I hope this helps clarify your understanding of this topic.
 

What is the diameter of the Earth in relation to tides?

The diameter of the Earth is approximately 12,742 kilometers. This measurement is important in understanding the gravitational pull of the Earth on the tides.

How does the diameter of the Moon affect tides?

The diameter of the Moon is about 3,474 kilometers, which is much smaller than the Earth's diameter. However, because the Moon is much closer to the Earth, its gravitational pull still has a significant impact on tides.

Is the diameter of the Earth consistent on all sides?

No, the Earth is not a perfect sphere and its diameter can vary slightly depending on the location. This is due to factors such as the Earth's rotation and gravitational forces from other objects.

Does the diameter of the Sun have any influence on tides?

Although the Sun is much larger than both the Earth and the Moon, its diameter does not have a direct impact on tides. However, the Sun's gravitational pull does contribute to the tides, especially during spring tides when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned.

How does the diameter of other planets affect tides?

The diameter of other planets can have varying effects on tides depending on their distance from the Earth and their mass. For example, the diameter of Jupiter is much larger than the Earth's, but its distance from the Earth means its gravitational pull has minimal impact on tides.

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