The Moon always keeps the same face toward Earth because of:
A) tidal locking
B) tidal forces from the Sun
C) tidal forces from Earth
D) tidal forces from the Earth and Sun
E) all sides of the moon face Earth at one time or another

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tidal locking is the gravitational interaction between two celestial bodies that results in one body always presenting the same face to the other. In the case of the Moon, this means that the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. This is due to the Moon's rotational period being the same as its orbital period around Earth, which means that it completes one full revolution on its axis in the same amount of time it takes to orbit Earth once. Tidal forces from Earth played a role in this process, but the primary mechanism behind the Moon's tidal locking is the gravity of the Moon itself. Tidal forces from the Sun are not strong enough to cause tidal locking. All sides of the Moon do face Earth at one time or another, but this is not related to the reason behind the Moon's tidally locked rotation.

The Moon Always Keeps the Same Face Toward Earth Because