How Do You Calculate the Force Between Children on Ice?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating forces and acceleration for three children being pulled across ice by a larger boy. The children have different masses, and the scenario requires understanding the forces acting on them as they hold hands while being pulled.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula F=ma to determine the forces between the children and the acceleration of the skater. Some participants question the specific numbers used in the calculations and the reasoning behind combining certain masses.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen some productive exchanges, with the original poster initially struggling but later indicating they figured out the correct approach. Participants have engaged in clarifying the reasoning behind the calculations without reaching a final consensus on the problem's details.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster preparing for a test, which may influence their approach to understanding the problem. The discussion reflects a learning process with evolving understanding of the concepts involved.

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Homework Statement


Three small children of mass, 20kg (first child),24kg(middle child) and 16kg (third child), respectively, hold hands and are pulled across a smooth frozen pond (which will occur sooner rather than later) by a larger boy on skates. He pulls thm via horizontal rope being held by the first child (20kg). The skater pulls on the rope with a force of 135N. Calculate each of the following :
-the acceleration of the skater
-the force with which each pair of children must hold hands to ensure that the chain is not broken.

Homework Equations



Fnet=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


I've solved the first part, which was 2.25, but for some reason i can't seem to get the right answer for the second part (90.0N, 36.0N). I've tried using Fnet=ma for the second part aswell, and haven't thought up anything else. I'm studying for a test, which is why I need to figure out how to do this, any help would be very much appreciated!

Never mind! i figured it out!
 
Last edited:
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What numbers are you using in the F=ma formula?
 
I was adding the 20 and 24 and then multiplying by acceleration. I understand what I was doing wrong now, regardless, thank you for answering so fast!
 
I'm glad you found the right answer.

You came to the conclusion that you add the 24 and 16 together instead, because those are the masses being accelerated, right?
 
yes I did. Took me longer than I'm proud of though haha. Thanks
 

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