How is the energy transfered back to the Moon

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The discussion clarifies that the energy transfer from Earth to the Moon is primarily due to tidal friction rather than the Earth's slowing rotation. The uneven distribution of Earth's mass, including mountains, creates tidal bulges that exert gravitational pull on the Moon, effectively accelerating it in its orbit. This acceleration causes the Moon to move into a higher orbit over time. The tidal bulge's position ahead of the Earth-Moon line plays a crucial role in this process. Overall, the interaction between Earth's gravitational forces and the Moon's orbit results in the Moon gaining energy and moving further away from Earth.
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I know from reading that the Moon slows down the Earth's rotation by creating friction on the ocean floor by causing the tibes, and as a result of this the Moon gains energy and moves farther out into space. What I don't understand is though, is that when the Earth slows down how does it transfer that energy to the Moon?
 
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Forestman said:
I know from reading that the Moon slows down the Earth's rotation by creating friction on the ocean floor by causing the tibes, and as a result of this the Moon gains energy and moves farther out into space. What I don't understand is though, is that when the Earth slows down how does it transfer that energy to the Moon?
It's not the Earth slowing that transfers energy to the Moon, it's the friction - both ways. If the Earth were a perfect sphere of uniform density, the Moon would not gain energy from it.

The mountains and other protruberances on the Earth pull on the Moon, giving a kick in the direction of Earth's rotation. This accelerates the Moon in its orbit. Accelerating something in its orbit vqause it to move into a higher orbit
 
granpa said:

Yeah, the second paragraph of that section describes it pretty well, particularly the part about why the tidal bulge of Earth is ahead of the Earth-Moon line, causing the Moon to be pulled forward in its orbit.
 
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