Eli5: how does the moon affect low and hightide of the ocean which is pretty heavy but does not cause other things which are lighter to start floating?

Question

Eli5: how does the moon affect low and hightide of the ocean which is pretty heavy but does not cause other things which are lighter to start floating?

In: Physics

Answer 1

In essence, the top layer of water on the ocean is squeegeed by the force of gravity. It isn’t *lifted* like you were taught in school, that is asinine.

[https://rmpbs.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/what-physics-teachers-pbs-space-time/what-physics-teachers-pbs-space-time/](https://rmpbs.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/what-physics-teachers-pbs-space-time/what-physics-teachers-pbs-space-time/)

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwChk4S99i4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwChk4S99i4)

This (both the same but one presented by PBS instead of just youtube) explanation is probably the best one I have seen. There is a tidal force operating on any and all water, but you don’t notice it because the you just don’t have enough water for you to see it happening. Get enough water, like an ocean or a great lake, and the tidal effect is evident.