Suppose 25 children who weigh the same are playing a game of tug-of-war. Five children pull with 10 newtons of force, while ten children pull with 15 newtons of force in the opposite direction. How can one determine the net force on the rope?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The newtons are in the same direction, so the newtons can be multiplied.
The newtons are in the same direction, so the newtons can be multiplied.

The forces are in opposite directions, so the newtons can be subtracted.
The forces are in opposite directions, so the newtons can be subtracted.

The forces are in opposite directions, so the newtons can be divided.
The forces are in opposite directions, so the newtons can be divided.

The forces are in the same direction, so the newtons can be added.

Answer 1

To determine the net force on the rope in the tug-of-war game, you need to consider that the forces are acting in opposite directions. Therefore, the correct response is:

The forces are in opposite directions, so the newtons can be subtracted.

You would calculate the total force exerted by each group and then subtract the smaller force from the larger force to find the net force. Here's how it works out:

1. The force exerted by the 5 children pulling with 10 newtons: \[ 5 \text{ children} \times 10 \text{ N} = 50 \text{ N} \]

2. The force exerted by the 10 children pulling with 15 newtons: \[ 10 \text{ children} \times 15 \text{ N} = 150 \text{ N} \]

3. The net force on the rope would be: \[ 150 \text{ N (stronger group)} - 50 \text{ N (weaker group)} = 100 \text{ N} \]

The net force is 100 newtons in the direction of the stronger group.