Two kids play a game of tug-of-war, but the flag in the middle of the rope is NOT moving. What force is being applied to the rope?

Question

The kids apply equal forces in similar directions.
The kids apply equal forces in similar directions.

The kids apply equal force in opposing directions.
The kids apply equal force in opposing directions.

A kid applies more force in one direction.
A kid applies more force in one direction.

One kid applies force and the other does not.

Answer 1

In the scenario where the flag in the middle of the rope is NOT moving, it indicates that the forces exerted by the kids are balanced. Therefore, the correct statement is:

The kids apply equal force in opposing directions.

This means that while each kid is pulling on the rope, their forces are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, resulting in a net force of zero, which keeps the flag in the middle from moving.