Question

How much tidal force does the sun have on the Earth, compared to the moon?

Answer 1

The tidal force exerted by the Sun on the Earth is about half as strong as the tidal force exerted by the Moon. Although the Sun is much larger than the Moon, it is much farther away from the Earth, so its gravitational pull is weaker. However, during certain alignments of the Sun and Moon (during new and full moons), their tidal forces combine and produce higher than usual tides, called spring tides.