Earth's Spin & Moon: Impact on Rotation

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The discussion explores the analogy between a motor's resistance and the Earth's rotation affected by the Moon's tidal forces. It questions whether, if the Moon's torque were removed, the Earth would regain its original spin rate. The response clarifies that unlike a motor, which relies on an external power source to regain speed, the Earth's spin is solely due to its inertia. Therefore, if the Moon's influence were eliminated, the Earth would not recover its initial spin rate. The comparison highlights fundamental differences in energy dynamics between mechanical systems and planetary motion.
termina
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Hello there!

When a motor is turning, if one applies a resisting torque on the rotor,
the latter would brake, but then if one remove the torque,
the motor recovers its initial speed.

Is the same with Earth's spin and Moon's resisting torque on it (due to tidal effect)?
ie: if, one day, the aforementioned torque is put off, would our planet recover its initial spin rate?
 
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termina said:
Hello there!

When a motor is turning, if one applies a resisting torque on the rotor,
the latter would brake, but then if one remove the torque,
the motor recovers its initial speed.

Is the same with Earth's spin and Moon's resisting torque on it (due to tidal effect)?
ie: if, one day, the aforementioned torque is put off, would our planet recover its initial spin rate?

No. The motor is driven from an outside power source which supplies the energy needed to bring the motor up to speed. The Earth's spin is just due to its own inertia and there is no power source to speed it up again.
 

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