Tidal forces are gravitational forces exerted on different parts of a object by a second object. Their effects are particularly visible on Earth's surface in the form of tides. To understand the origin of tidal forces, consider Earth-Moon system to consist of two spherical bodies, each with a spherical mass distribution. Let RE be the radius of Earth, m be the mass of the Moon, and G be the gravitational constant.

1) Earth is subject not only to the gravitational force of the Moon but also to the gravitational pull of the Sun. However, Earth is much farther away from the Sun than it is from the Moon. In fact, the center of Earth is at an average distance of 1.5×1011m from the center of the Sun. Given that the mass of the Sun is 1.99×1030kg, which of the following statements is correct?

A) The force exerted on Earth by the Sun is weaker than the corresponding force exerted by the Moon.
B) The force exerted on Earth by the Sun is stronger than the corresponding force exerted by the Moon.
C) The force exerted on Earth by the Sun is of the same order of magnitude of the corresponding force exerted by the Moon.

2) The occurrence of tidal forces on Earth's surface is not limited to the gravitational effects of the Moon. Tidal forces are produced every time different parts of a object are subject to different gravitational forces exerted by a second object. Therefore, tidal forces due to the gravitational effects of the Sun are also present on Earth's surface. What can you conclude about the relative effects of these two tidal forces on Earth's surface?

A) The Moon exerts a stronger tidal force on Earth than the Sun does.
B) The Sun exerts a stronger tidal force on Earth than the Moon does.
C) The Moon and the Sun cause tidal forces of equal magnitude.