Calculating Tension Force in a Tug-of-War

In summary, the diagram shows a tug-of-war between two people and the unknown tension force for person B can be determined to be 900 N if the rope is assumed to be massless. The equation Fnet = ma can also be used to solve for the tension. However, since the rope is assumed to be massless, the tension throughout the rope is constant.
  • #1
temaire
279
0

Homework Statement


The diagram below shows two people having a tug-of-war. Determine the unknown tension force if person A is winning.

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/8286/forcefp2.gif​


Homework Equations


None that I think are necessary.


The Attempt at a Solution


I think that the unkown tension for person B would be 900 N, because tension is constant throughout the entire rope.
 
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  • #2
You're right if the rope is massless... do they give a mass for the rope?
 
  • #3
temaire said:

Homework Equations


None that I think are necessary.

How about Fnet = ma?

temaire said:

The Attempt at a Solution


I think that the unkown tension for person B would be 900 N, because tension is constant throughout the entire rope.

Typically, since the mass of the rope is negligible compared to the rest of the system we assume it to be massless. If so, then the tension throughout the rope is indeed the same (of course if it has mass and is not accelerating then you get the same result as well).

In this case, since A is winning, the rope would be accelerating (unless A is winning at a constant velocity!). However, since the rope is assumed massless then the tension is the same throughout as previously stated.
 
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  • #4
No, they don't give a mass for the rope. Thanks for the help though guys.
 

1. How do you calculate the tension force in a tug-of-war?

The tension force in a tug-of-war can be calculated using Newton's Second Law, which states that force equals mass times acceleration. In this case, the mass is the combined weight of the participants on each side of the rope, and the acceleration is the rate at which the rope is being pulled. By measuring these values and plugging them into the formula, the tension force can be determined.

2. What factors affect the tension force in a tug-of-war?

The tension force in a tug-of-war is affected by several factors, including the weight and strength of the participants, the length and elasticity of the rope, and the friction between the rope and the ground. Additionally, the angle and direction at which the rope is being pulled can also impact the tension force.

3. How does the number of participants on each side affect the tension force in a tug-of-war?

The number of participants on each side can significantly impact the tension force in a tug-of-war. The more people pulling on one side, the greater the combined weight and strength, resulting in a higher tension force. However, if the number of participants is uneven on each side, the tension force may not be directly proportional to the number of people.

4. Can the tension force in a tug-of-war be negative?

No, the tension force in a tug-of-war cannot be negative. Tension force is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. In a tug-of-war, the tension force will always be directed towards the side that is pulling harder, and it cannot pull in the opposite direction.

5. How is the tension force in a tug-of-war different from the force of gravity?

The tension force in a tug-of-war is a result of the participants pulling on the rope, while the force of gravity is the natural attraction between two objects with mass. The tension force can vary in magnitude and direction, while the force of gravity is always directed towards the center of the Earth. Additionally, the tension force is a contact force, while the force of gravity is a non-contact force.

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