Question

Kiley, Jermaine, and Gunther are playing tug-of-war. Kiley and Jermaine are on the same side of the rope, and Gunther is on the other side. Kiley is exerting a force of 20 N, and Jermaine is exerting a force of 25 N.
Which force would result in a balanced force for the game?


–45 N

–20 N

20 N

45

Answer 1

A force that would result in a balanced force for the game is:

 F = 45 N

Answer 2

First we define a reference system.

Let's assume the horizontal axis as positive towards the right.

Suppose Kiley and Jermaine pull the rope to the left, while Gunther pulls the rope to the right.

The equilibrium equation is given by:

$-20 - 25 + F = 0$

Where,

F: force with which Gunther pulls the rope.

Clearing F we have:

$F = 20 + 25\\F = 45$

The positive sign indicates that Gunther pulls to the right.

Answer:

A force that would result in a balanced force for the game is:

$F = 45 N$