If you compare the gravitational force on the Earth due to the Sun to that due to the Moon, you would find that the Sun’s pull is greater than the Moon’s pull. (You can check this yourself using the data available in the succeeding exercises). However, the tidal effect of the Moon’s pull is greater than the tidal effect of Sun. Why?

As a seasoned tutor registered on UrbanPro, I'm glad you've brought up this fascinating topic! Let's delve into the comparison between the gravitational force exerted by the Sun and the Moon on Earth, and why the tidal effect of the Moon's pull surpasses that of the Sun's despite its weaker gravitational force.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that while the Sun's mass is significantly greater than the Moon's, its distance from Earth is also much larger. Conversely, although the Moon is closer to Earth, its mass is smaller compared to the Sun. This interplay between mass and distance plays a crucial role in determining gravitational force.

When comparing the gravitational forces exerted by the Sun and the Moon on Earth, it's clear that the Sun's pull is indeed greater due to its immense mass. However, the Moon's proximity to Earth allows it to exert a noticeable gravitational force as well, despite its smaller mass.

Now, let's discuss the tidal effects. Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun. The Moon's tidal effect is more significant than that of the Sun due to two main reasons:

1. Proximity: As mentioned earlier, the Moon is much closer to Earth compared to the Sun. This closeness amplifies its gravitational influence, leading to more pronounced tidal effects.

2. Differential Gravitational Force: Tides are essentially caused by the difference in gravitational force across the Earth. Since the Moon's gravitational force varies more noticeably across Earth's surface due to its proximity, it creates stronger tidal bulges.

In summary, while the Sun exerts a greater gravitational force on Earth due to its massive size, the Moon's closer proximity and differential gravitational force result in a tidal effect that surpasses that of the Sun. This intricate dance between celestial bodies demonstrates the complex yet fascinating nature of gravitational interactions in our solar system. If you're interested, we can explore this topic further through practical exercises and simulations to deepen your understanding. Feel free to reach out for more guidance on this or any other topic! And remember, UrbanPro is your gateway to the best online coaching and tuition experiences.