Net Force on Rope in Tug of War?

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In summary, the question is asking for the net force on a rope being pulled by two boys with equal forces in opposite directions. The net force is determined by summing the forces on the rope, and in this case, it would be 30N. The tension in the rope is also 30N, as it is created by the equal and opposite forces of the boys pulling on the rope.
  • #1
timseb
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Homework Statement


In a tug of war two boys exert an equal force of 30N. What is the nett force on the rope?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Since there is a tensile force on the rope will it be 30 N?

(When a spring replaces the rope it will elongate by 'x'. So the force will be kx
where k is the spring constant)
 
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  • #2
The net force on the rope is calculated by summing the forces on it. Remember though, force is a vector (it has direction).
 
  • #3
Be careful. Understand exactly what astrorob said: there are two boys pulling on the rope with equal "force"- but in opposite directions. What will the net force on the rope be? Another way of looking at is this: F= ma. What is the 'acceleration' of this rope? So what is the net force on it?
 
  • #4
sorry to interject, but if it said find the total tension what would that be?
 
  • #5
Sheneron said:
sorry to interject, but if it said find the total tension what would that be?
It would be meaningless. :wink: Asking for the tension in the rope makes sense, but "total" tension would not. A tension is created by two forces pulling in opposite directions.
 
  • #6
so would the tension be 60N?
 
  • #7
Sheneron said:
so would the tension be 60N?
No, just 30 N. To create a tension of 30 N requires the ends to be pulled apart by 30 N forces. The tension force is just the force that the rope exerts which must be equal and opposite to the forces that the boys exert.
 

FAQ: Net Force on Rope in Tug of War?

What is Tug of War?

Tug of War is a popular team activity that involves two teams pulling on opposite ends of a rope, trying to move the other team towards their side. The team that successfully pulls the other team over a designated line wins the game.

What is Net Force on Rope?

Net Force on Rope refers to the total force acting on a rope during a Tug of War game. It is the sum of all the individual forces exerted by each team on the rope. The direction of the net force depends on which team is pulling with greater strength.

How is Net Force on Rope calculated?

Net Force on Rope can be calculated by adding up the individual forces exerted by each team on the rope. These forces can be measured using a force gauge or by calculating the product of the mass of the rope and its acceleration.

What factors can affect the Net Force on Rope?

The Net Force on Rope can be affected by various factors such as the strength and size of the teams, the friction between the rope and the ground, and the type and condition of the rope. Other factors like the angle of the rope and the technique used by each team can also impact the net force.

Why is understanding Net Force on Rope important?

Understanding Net Force on Rope is important for both the safety of the participants and the fairness of the game. If the net force is too high, it can cause the rope to break or the participants to lose their balance and get injured. Additionally, knowing the net force can help ensure that both teams have an equal chance of winning the game.

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