In case of solar or wind the source of energy is fusion reaction in the Sun. Photons bring this energy to Earth. Here they are consumed directly in solar panels or cause an atmospheric motion that moves wind turbines.
But in case of tidal power, what is the source? Is Moon going to fly a tiny bit slower because we consumed part of its energy? Is Earth going to rotate a bit slower?
In: Physics
It comes from the earth’s rotation relative to the moon. The moon itself is actually getting more energy, as the earth is spinning faster than the moon is orbiting. The Earth’s rotation is slowing, which is where the energy for the tides comes from.
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