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

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

Answer 1

To determine the net force on the rope in a tug-of-war scenario where forces are acting in opposite directions, you would subtract the forces.

In this case:

• Five children pulling with 10 newtons each contribute a total force of \( 5 \times 10 = 50 \) newtons in one direction.
• Ten children pulling with 15 newtons each contribute a total force of \( 10 \times 15 = 150 \) newtons in the opposite direction.

The net force can be calculated as: \[ \text{Net Force} = 150 , \text{newtons} - 50 , \text{newtons} = 100 , \text{newtons} \text{ (in the direction of the greater force)} \]

Thus, the correct response is:

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