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How tidal friction increase the length of the length of day by 7 microsecond every year
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How Tidal Friction Increases the Length of Day by 7 Microseconds Every Year


Tidal friction is the phenomenon that occurs when the gravitational forces between two celestial bodies cause a deformation in each other's shape, leading to a transfer of energy and angular momentum between them. In the case of the Earth and the Moon, tidal friction has several effects, one of which is an increase in the length of the day by about 7 microseconds every year. Here is how it works:


1. The Moon's Influence on Earth's Tides


The Moon's gravitational pull on the Earth causes two tidal bulges to form on opposite sides of the planet, one facing the Moon and one facing away from it. As the Earth rotates within these bulges, the water and the solid crust experience a slight distortion that creates a frictional force between them. This force acts like a brake on the Earth's rotation, slowing it down over time.


2. The Transfer of Angular Momentum


As the Earth's rotation slows down, its angular momentum decreases. However, the total angular momentum of the Earth-Moon system must remain constant, according to the law of conservation of angular momentum. Therefore, the lost angular momentum of the Earth is transferred to the Moon, which moves away from the Earth at a rate of about 3.8 centimeters per year.


3. The Effect on the Length of the Day


The transfer of angular momentum from the Earth to the Moon affects not only their relative positions but also the Earth's rotation rate. As the Earth loses angular momentum, its rotation rate decreases, and the length of the day increases. The effect is small, but it accumulates over time, leading to a lengthening of the day by about 7 microseconds every year.


4. Other Factors Influencing the Length of the Day


Tidal friction is not the only factor that affects the length of the day. Other factors, such as atmospheric and oceanic circulation, variations in the Earth's rotation rate due to earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, and changes in the mass distribution within the Earth, also have an impact. However, their effects are much smaller than those of tidal friction.


In conclusion, tidal friction is a complex phenomenon that plays a crucial role in the dynamics of the Earth-Moon system and has measurable effects on the length of the day. The rate of increase of the day length due to tidal friction is slow, but it has accumulated over millions of years, leading to significant changes in the Earth's rotation rate and the Moon's distance from the Earth.
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How tidal friction increase the length of the length of day by 7 microsecond every year
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