Which of the following best explains why the Moon's orbital period and rotation period are the same?
A)The Moon once rotated faster,but tidal friction slowed the rotation period until it matched the orbital period.
B)The Moon was once closer to Earth,but the force of gravity got weaker as the Moon moved farther away.
C)The law of conservation of angular momentum ensured that the Moon must have the same amount of rotational angular momentum as it has of orbital angular momentum.
D)The equality of the Moon's orbital and rotation periods is an extraordinary astronomical coincidence.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Moon's synchronous rotation, where its orbital period matches its rotation period, is due to tidal locking. This process occurred over time as tidal forces exerted by Earth slowed the Moon's rotation until it matched its orbital period, ensuring the same side of the Moon always faces Earth.

Which of the Following Best Explains Why the Moon's Orbital