Source: wikibot/tidal-tensor
= Tidal tensor
{wiki=Tidal_tensor}
The term "tidal tensor" typically refers to a mathematical representation that describes the tidal forces exerted by a massive body, like a planet or star, on another body in its vicinity, such as a moon or satellite. Tidal forces arise from the gravitational gradient caused by the mass distribution of the larger body, which leads to deformation of the smaller body.