Insights Secondary Forces Explored - Comments

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The discussion revolves around the insights shared in a post about secondary forces, particularly focusing on tidal forces and their impact on the rotation of celestial bodies. Participants express appreciation for the article, highlighting the significance of tidal fields in reshaping the rotation of planets and moons. It is noted that as these objects rotate out of their preferred tidal configurations, residual torque slows their rotation over time, leading to phenomena like tidal locking, where one side of a moon consistently faces its planet. A request for detailed calculations related to tidal locking is made, indicating a desire for deeper understanding. The conversation emphasizes the intricate relationship between tidal forces and celestial mechanics.
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klotza submitted a new PF Insights post

Secondary Forces Explored

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Nice article!

The weak force sucks. Neutrinos are cool though.

:rolleyes:
 
Drakkith said:
Nice article!
:rolleyes:

@Orodruin will be satisfied :biggrin:
 
Truly insightful, thanks for sharing !
 
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Likes Greg Bernhardt
Useful nucleus said:
Truly insightful, thanks for sharing !
Glad you enjoyed.
 
This is an interesting notion.

When tidal fields reshape rotating planets or moons, this can effect how those objects rotate. When an object is elongated, it is in a preferred tidal configuration, and as it rotates out of that configuration, there is a residual torque resisting its rotation, which over long periods of time slows down the rotation period until it matches the orbital period, such that the object can always have its preferred* configuration in the tidal field. This is why the same side of the moon always points at the Earth, and why over long periods of time the Earth’s rotation is slowing down, until its same side will always be pointing at the moon**.

Do you have any calculations or further explanations?
 
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