Earth–Moon Tides
This interactive simulator explores Earth–Moon Tides in Gravity & Orbits. Equilibrium tide bulges; orbit speed; ~12.4 h spacing note. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.
Who it's for: Suited to beginners and first exposure to the topic. Typical context: Gravity & Orbits.
Key terms
- earth
- moon
- tides
- earth moon tides
- gravity
- orbits
How it works
The Moon’s gravity raises a small tidal bulge on the near side of Earth and a complementary bulge on the far side in the simplest model (differential gravity plus orbital motion). Earth’s faster spin sweeps observers through these bulges, giving roughly two high tides per day. This page is schematic, not a hydrodynamic ocean model.
Key equations
More from Gravity & Orbits
Other simulators in this category — or see all 14.
Binary Star (circular)
COM orbits; r₁,r₂; Kepler T² ∝ a³/(M₁+M₂).
Roche Limit
Fluid d ≈ 2.456 R_p (ρ_p/ρ_s)^(1/3); vs orbit distance.
Space Elevator Tether
1D tension vs height; peak near GEO (normalized model).
Hohmann Transfer
Coplanar circles r₁,r₂; transfer ellipse; Δv₁, Δv₂ from vis-viva.
Oberth Effect
Same prograde Δv at peri vs apo on one ellipse; higher ε when burning deep.
Gravity-Assist Fly-By
Planet frame |u_out|=|u_in| rotated by δ; star frame v = V + u — Δ|v| from moving planet.