Pulling a Car--Which is Easier?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter nerick
  • Start date Start date
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
5 replies · 2K views
nerick
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
A man is trying to pull his car by using rope. Which one is easier to pull? holding the rope nearer to the car or further from the car?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The greater impact might be when you are too much close to the car, in that case you will have direct influence of your force on the car
 
The force is transferred without loss at any distance.
However, there is a perfect angle for pulling objects. The ratio between pulling the object up and pulling it horizontal can be optimized.
But I assume the for a heavy car the best pulling angle is nearly horizontal.
In the end also the human anatomy matters. In some positions it's easier to pull.
 
There is more gravitational attraction between the man and the car when close, but on the surface of the Earth it's completely insignificant.