If the Moon were four times as massive but twice as far from Earth, high tides on Earth would be
A)higher.
B)lower.
C)no different.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force between two objects decreases with distance, so if the Moon were twice as far from Earth, the gravitational force it exerts on Earth would be weaker. Additionally, tidal forces are proportional to the difference in gravitational force between two points in space, so if the gravitational force of the Moon on Earth is weaker, tidal forces on Earth would be lower. Therefore, if the Moon were four times as massive but twice as far from Earth, high tides on Earth would be lower.

If the Moon Were Four Times as Massive but Twice