Tension in the rope of tug of war

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SUMMARY

In a tug of war scenario with two teams of five men each pulling with an average force of 500 N, the tension in the center of the rope is 2500 N. This is derived from the fact that the forces exerted by both teams are compounded, resulting in a total force of 5000 N, but the tension experienced at the midpoint of the rope is half of that due to equal distribution. If the rope were to break and one team replaced by a spring scale, the scale would read 2500 N, indicating the force exerted by the remaining team.

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Homework Statement


In a tug of war, five men on each team pull with an average force of 500 N each. What is the tension in the center of the rope.
A. zero B. 100N C. 500N D. 2500N E.5000N

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know this isn't a very complicated question but I am not sure how the two forces on each side would effect it. T first i though they would cancel out, but there has to be some tension, so are they compounded? I am really unsure. Any explanation would be greatly appreciated.

Also sorry if this is in the wrong section
 
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Suppose you broke the rope in the middle, and replaced one of the teams, together with their half rope, with a spring scale (like the ones they use to weigh vegetables in a supermarket) nailed to a rigid post. Would it matter whether the spring and post were supplying the force to hold the other team in place? What would be the reading on the spring scale?
 

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