Energy for Tides

Most recent answer: 10/01/2017

Q:
In orbiting the earth, the moon's gravitational forces cause the tides. This movement of water seems to require a tremendous amount of energy. Shouldn't this expenditure of gravitational energy result in a depletion in energy somewhere? and if so, where?
- Mike (age 52)
Ann Arbor,MI
A:

You're right. Here's where we've discussed those issues:

https://van.physics.illinois.edu/qa/listing.php?id=19644
https://van.physics.illinois.edu/qa/listing.php?id=19644

Mike W.


(published on 10/01/2017)