If the tide-producing force is proportional to G × M/R³, then the Moon exerts a greater tide-raising force than the Sun due to the difference in their masses rather than a difference in their distances from the Earth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Moon exerts a greater tide-raising force than the Sun primarily due to its much closer proximity to Earth, despite the Sun's much larger mass. The tide-producing force depends on the inverse cube of the distance, making distance a more significant factor than mass in this context.

If the Tide-Producing Force Is Proportional to G × M/R3

If the Tide-Producing Force Is Proportional to G × M/R³