In a tug-of-war, Team X and Team Y pull the rope in opposite directions with forces…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics
Problem
In a tug-of-war, Team X and Team Y pull the rope in opposite directions with forces of 600N each. The knot at the centre of the rope remains stationary. Which statement best describes the horizontal forces acting on the knot?
(a) The forces are unbalanced; the net force is 600N towards Team Y.
(b) The forces are balanced; the net force on the knot is zero.
(c) The forces are unbalanced; the net force is 1200N towards Team X.
(d) Each team’s pull is split between the rope and the knot, so the knot experiences a net force of 300N towards Team X.