tidal force

Tidal force is the gravitational pull that an object, like the Moon or the Sun, exerts on different parts of another body, such as Earth. Because gravity weakens with distance, the side of Earth closer to the Moon feels a stronger pull than the far side, causing a stretch. This differential pull creates tides—rising and falling ocean levels. Tidal forces influence not only ocean tides but can also shape the geology and movement of celestial bodies over long timescales. Essentially, tidal force is the variation in gravitational attraction across an object, leading to noticeable physical effects.