Suppose 25 children who weigh the same are playing a game of tug-of-war. Five children pull with 10 newtons of force, while ten children pull with 15 newtons of force in the opposite direction. How can one determine the net force on the rope?
A The forces are in the same direction, so the newtons can be added.
B The forces are in opposite directions, so the newtons can be divided.
C The newtons are in the same direction, so the newtons can be multiplied.
D The forces are in opposite directions, so the newtons can be subtracted
D The forces are in opposite directions, so the newtons can be subtracted.
The correct answer is D - The forces are in opposite directions, so the newtons can be subtracted.
To determine the net force on the rope in a situation where multiple forces are acting in opposite directions, we need to find the vector sum of the forces. Since the forces are in opposite directions, we need to subtract one force from the other to obtain the net force.
In this scenario, five children are pulling with a force of 10 newtons in one direction, while ten children are pulling with a force of 15 newtons in the opposite direction. By subtracting the force exerted by the ten children (15 newtons) from the force exerted by the five children (10 newtons), we can determine the net force on the rope.
To determine the net force on the rope, you need to consider the direction and magnitude of the forces acting on it.
In this scenario, five children are pulling with 10 newtons of force in one direction, and ten children are pulling with 15 newtons of force in the opposite direction. Since the forces are in opposite directions, we need to subtract them to find the net force.
Therefore, the correct answer is D - the forces are in opposite directions, so the newtons can be subtracted.