Gravitational Tides  

Look closely at the gravitational force acting on a moon as it orbits its planet:
 

 
 
If we subtract the center of mass force, we see the differential force acting on it:
 
 

So gravity "stretches" and "squashes" a moon!
 

Let's look at this mathematically. The force of gravity is:

 
So the differential force (also called the tidal force) across a distance dr is
Note that Note also that it works both ways -- the moon also stretches the planet!

Why is it called a tidal force?
 
 
 
 
 

What is stronger on the Earth, the tidal force from the moon or the tidal force from the Sun?
 

 
 
So the moon exerts a stronger force, but the Sun's tidal force can be significant. Hence the concept of spring tides and neap tides:  
Remember: Tides are not merely a water effect! The Earth's surface also has tidal bulges, about 10cm in height. And the moon has an even greater tidal bulge -- 20m high.
 
 Thought experiment: What happens when you keep squeezing and stretching a piece of silly putty? What does this have to do with tides?