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na3than t1_j01vdff wrote

I don't understand the question. The Earth's tides ARE affected by a mass at the distance of the Moon, namely, the Moon. If the Moon had more mass or less mass the tides on the Earth would be affected. A greater change in mass would mean a greater disruption, but ANY change in mass would affect the tides.

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davewh t1_j01xvsd wrote

I suspect the question is about how much mass is required to make a noticeable effect. I mean, technically, if the moon were no more than a baseball, it would still affect tides. We'd just never notice it.

As for "how it works" there are plenty of websites that'll explain it in varying levels of detail. The force of gravity decreases with the square of the distance so even a very large mass that's too far away will only have minimal effect. Such as our Sun. It too affects the tides, but very little since it's so far away.

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