Arm-wrestling -- question about forces

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In summary, the force exerted by hand A on hand B in arm-wrestling cannot exceed the strength or maximum limit of force that hand B exerts on hand A, due to Newton's third law. While hand A may initially have a stronger muscular force, this force will eventually decrease and hand B will exert the same amount of force on hand A until external factors, such as the table or power limitations, come into play.
  • #1
Luigi Fortunati
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In the arm-wrestling, when the hand A prevails on the hand B, the force of A on B is greater than that of B on A?
 
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  • #2
Luigi Fortunati said:
In the arm-wrestling, when the hand A prevails on the hand B, the force of A on B is greater than that of B on A?
No. That would violate Newton's third law. The torque on the arm of B from the force from A is greater than the torque on the arm of B that B is able to generate.
 
  • #3
Luigi Fortunati said:
In the arm-wrestling, when the hand A prevails on the hand B, the force of A on B is greater than that of B on A?
No, see also this:
http://www.lockhaven.edu/~dsimanek/physics/horsecart.htm
 
  • #4
A.T. said:
No, see also this:
http://www.lockhaven.edu/~dsimanek/physics/horsecart.htm
OK thanks.

Therefore the force exerted by the hand A (also of the strongest man in the world) on the hand B, can never exceed (not even a little) the strength that the hand B exerts on the hand A (therefore represents its maximum limit).
 
  • #5
Luigi Fortunati said:
OK thanks.

Therefore the force exerted by the hand A (also of the strongest man in the world) on the hand B, can never exceed (not even a little) the strength that the hand B exerts on the hand A (therefore represents its maximum limit).
“Strength” is not a standard physics concept. Do not confuse it with force, which is.
 
  • #6
Luigi Fortunati said:
OK thanks.

Therefore the force exerted by the hand A (also of the strongest man in the world) on the hand B, can never exceed (not even a little) the strength that the hand B exerts on the hand A (therefore represents its maximum limit).
I think you need to distinguish between the muscular force and the total force one hand exerts on the other.

For example.. the force B exerts on A could stay the same even if B gives up and stops pushing. If A keeps pushing with the same force then when B gives up hand B will start accelerating and that will make up for the loss of muscular force B was applying on A.

In practice hand A won't be able to maintain the same force on B for very long but while it can hand B will exert the same force on A. Eventually he table will get in the way or hand A will be power limited (power = force * velocity and the velocity is increasing).
 

FAQ: Arm-wrestling -- question about forces

What is arm-wrestling?

Arm-wrestling is a competitive sport where two individuals lock their hands together and try to force their opponent's arm down onto a table. It is a test of strength and technique.

What muscles are used in arm-wrestling?

The main muscles used in arm-wrestling are the biceps, triceps, forearm flexors, and forearm extensors. These muscles work together to generate force and control the movements of the arm.

How does arm-wrestling demonstrate the concept of forces?

Arm-wrestling demonstrates the concept of forces through the application of force from one individual to another. Each person is trying to overcome the force of their opponent and push their arm down onto the table. It also shows the importance of technique in utilizing forces effectively.

Can arm-wrestling cause injuries?

Yes, arm-wrestling can cause injuries if not done properly. Common injuries include strains and sprains in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the arm. It is important to warm up and use proper technique to reduce the risk of injury.

Is arm-wrestling a fair test of strength?

Arm-wrestling can be a fair test of strength if both individuals are of similar size and have similar technique. However, factors such as hand and arm size, grip strength, and technique can also play a role in determining the outcome of a match.

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