Re: moon's synchronism

[John Mallinckrodt <ajmallinckro@CSUPomona.Edu>]

On Wed, 18 Mar 1998, LUDWIK KOWALSKI wrote:

> Let me use this example as an illustration how words can interfere with
> undersanding. An expert uses a word, such as "tidal torque" knowing very
> well that it is not restricted to traditional tides. But a naive learner
> immediately starts thinking about frictional effects of bulges on the
> solid ground below. 

Good point.  I believe I became a skosh (there I go again) more sensitive
to this fact myself yesterday.  (Or maybe I didn't.) 

> The IP simulation made me aware that friction is not necessary to
> explain synchronisation.

Just a point of clarification (I hope!):  Friction (or more, generally,
dissipation) is not particularly necessary to *maintain* the moon's
synchronization although it does help guard against its loss due to
external perturbations.  On the other hand, it was certainly needed to
*produce* the synchronization in the first place.

John
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