Question

A piece of rope is pulled by two people in a tug-of-war. each exerts a 400-n force. what is the tension in the rope?

Answer 1

Answer:

400 N

Explanation:

According to Newton's third law of motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The tension in the rope occurs due to the amount of the force by which the rope is pulled.

There is zero acceleration in the rope as it is being pulled from opposite ends with equal force.

consider one half of the rope:

$F_{net}= T - F_a =0\\ \Rightarrow T = F_a = 400 N$

Thus, tension in the rope = 400 N

Answer 2

Newtons 3.law: Action = Reaction

If a body exerts a force on a rope of 400 N the rope exerts a force on the body of 400N also. So the tension in the rope is 400N. See pictures below.