Comparing Tension: 2 Horses vs. 1 Horse Pulling on Strong Man Anchored to Tree

  • Thread starter Stevedye56
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In summary, the tension force exerted by two horses pulling in opposite directions on a man is equal and opposite, resulting in no net force or acceleration. However, if the horses were pulling in the same direction, the force would be doubled. When the rope is tied to a tree, there is tension in the line due to opposing forces at each end, even if there is no net force or acceleration. When the rope is cut and there is no movement, there is no force of friction acting on the object, making it static.
  • #1
Stevedye56
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The strong man can withstand the tension force exerted by the two horses pulling in opposite directions. How would the tenstion compare if only one horse pulled and the left of the rope were tied to a tree? How would the tension compare if the tow horses pulled in the same direction, with the left rope tied to tree.

T= tree
M=man
H=horse
HH= 2 horses (duh)
----- indicates rope
---> indicates that the horse is pulling this way
<--- indicates that the horse is pulling this way

<---H----------M----------H--->

T-------M------------H--->

T-------M--------HH--->


The distances of rope are suposed to be the same i just didnt draw them the same, sorry.

Am I correct in saying that the man can withstand the two horses pulling in opposite directions becase they are both on the same object, him, and that they are equal so they cancel?

Also is it correct to say that the tension between the man and the tree while having 2 horses pull on it is twice that of one horse pulling on the man anchored by rope to the same tree?

:confused:

Thanks for looking,
Steve
 
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  • #2
If two horses are pulling in the same direction, they would pull with twice the force of one horse, assuming each horse exerts the same force.

What if the man or horse in not moving, what can one say about the tension in the rope when tied to the tree or to another horse pulling in the direction of the tree?

Two horses pulling in opposite direction provide no net force, and therefore no acceleration. Although the forces cancel, there is tension in the line because there are opposing forces at each end.
 
  • #3
A trick here is to cut the rope. What force is left if the rope is static?


-----H
-----H
-----HH
?
 
  • #4
weight? since there is no force of friction because its not moving. Static refers to an object not moving correct?
 
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FAQ: Comparing Tension: 2 Horses vs. 1 Horse Pulling on Strong Man Anchored to Tree

1. What is a "Simple Tension Problem"?

A "Simple Tension Problem" is a physics problem that involves calculating the tension force in a string or rope that is holding an object in place. This type of problem is commonly used to test a person's understanding of Newton's laws of motion and their ability to apply them to real-world situations.

2. How do you solve a "Simple Tension Problem"?

To solve a "Simple Tension Problem", you will need to identify all of the forces acting on the object, including the weight of the object, any external forces, and the tension force in the string or rope. Then, you can use Newton's laws of motion and the equations for calculating force to determine the tension force in the string.

3. What are some common misconceptions about "Simple Tension Problems"?

One common misconception is that the tension force in the string is always equal to the weight of the object. In reality, the tension force can vary depending on the other forces acting on the object. Another misconception is that the tension force is always in the same direction as the string, when in fact it can act in any direction that is necessary to keep the object in equilibrium.

4. How does the angle of the string affect the tension force in a "Simple Tension Problem"?

The angle of the string can affect the tension force in a "Simple Tension Problem" by changing the amount of force needed to keep the object in equilibrium. As the angle increases, the tension force also increases, and vice versa. This is due to the trigonometric relationship between the angle and the components of the tension force in the x and y directions.

5. What are some real-world applications of "Simple Tension Problems"?

"Simple Tension Problems" have many real-world applications, such as calculating the tension force in cables or ropes used in construction, determining the force needed to lift an object with a pulley system, and understanding the dynamics of objects suspended by ropes or strings in physics experiments.

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