Two lifeguards pull on ropes attached to a raft. If they pull in the same direction, the raft experiences a net external force of 363 N to the right. If they pull in opposite directions, the raft experiences a net external force of 147 N to the left.

Question

Two lifeguards pull on ropes attached to a raft. If they pull in the same direction, the raft experiences a net external force of 363 N to the right. If they pull in opposite directions, the raft experiences a net external force of 147 N to the left.
Draw a free body diagram for each situation and find the magnitude of the larger of the two individual forces. Answer in units of N.

Damon · Answer

a + b = 363 a - b = 147 ----------- add 2 a = 510 a = 255 N