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Chapter 10: Problem 23

If the Earth's tidal bulge pointed directly toward the Moon, would the Moon still be receding from the Earth? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
In a system where the Earth's tidal bulge points directly towards the Moon (implying perfect synchronization and tidal locking), there would be no torque causing the Moon to recede. Consequently, the Moon would stop receding from the Earth.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the current tidal interaction

At present, the Earth-Moon system exists in a state where the Earth is rotating faster than the moon is orbiting it. Due to this, the tidal bulge induced by the Moon's gravitational pull does not point directly towards the Moon, but is slightly ahead of it. This causes a torque that slows down the Earth’s rotation and transfers angular momentum to the Moon, causing it to move away from the Earth.
02

Imagining a perfectly synchronized Earth-Moon system

Now, imagine a scenario in which the Earth’s rotation is perfectly synchronized with the Moon’s revolution – implying that the tidal bulge does point directly towards the Moon. This would be a state of tidal locking, where one side of Earth always faces the Moon.
03

Determining the impact on the Moon's receding motion

In this state of perfect synchronization, the tidal bulge wouldn't be ahead of the Moon any longer. Therefore, the Earth wouldn’t apply a forward-directed gravitational force on the Moon. As a result, the torque that has been slowing the Earth and causing the Moon to recede would no longer be present.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

If the Moon always keeps the same face toward the Earth, how is it possible for Earth observers to see more than half of the Moon's surface?

Are impact craters on the Moon the same size as the meteoroids that made the impact? Explain your answer.

Comment on the idea that without the presence of the Moon in our sky, astronomy would have developed far more slowly.

NASA is planning a new series of manned missions to the Moon. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of exploring the Moon with astronauts as opposed to using mobile, unmanned instrument packages.

Use the Starry Night Enthusiast \({ }^{\mathrm{TM}}\) program to examine the Moon. Select Solar System > Moon from the Favourites menu. (If desired, remove the image of the astronaut by clicking on Feet in the View menu) You can rotate the image of the Moon by placing the mouse cursor over the image, holding down the mouse button, and moving the mouse. (On a two-button mouse, hold down the left mouse button.) (a) From what you can see in the image, what evidence can you find that the Moon is geologically inactive? Explain. (b) Spreading outward from some of the largest craters on the Moon are straight lines of lightcolored material called rays that were caused by material ejected outward by the impact that caused the crater. Rotate the Moon around to see the entire illuminated surface. Can you find any rays on the Moon? Zoom in on the Moon to examine various surface features such as craters and mountain ranges. Estimate the length of several rays extending from craters by measuring their length on the screen with a ruler and comparing them to the diameter of the Moon, which is about 30 minutes of arc when seen from Earth. Collaborative Exercise
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