Question Two lifeguards pull on ropes attached to a raft. If they pull in the sa

Question

Question Two lifeguards pull on ropes attached to a raft. If they pull in the same direction, the raft experiences a net external force of 316 N to the right. If they pull in opposite directions, the raft experiences a net external force of 113 N to the left.
Draw a free-body diagram representing the raft for each situation. It really helps!

Find the force exerted by each lifeguard on the raft. (Disregard any other forces acting on the raft.)
1.N( larger force)
2. N( smaller force)

The net force is the sum of forces. You will have to write 2 equations for net force (one for each situationh) and solve them simultaneously.

Explanation / Answer

Free body diagram for first situation : ------------------------------------                                           -----------------------------> F                             -------------------------> F ' Free body diagram for second situation : ------------------------------------                                           -----------------------------> F      F ' <-------------- (b).In first case net force F + F ' = 316 N In second case net force F - F ' = 113 N ( F + F ' ) + ( F - F ' ) = 316 + 113                               2F = 429 From this big force F = 214.5 N We know F + F ' = 316 From this smaller force   F ' = 316 - F                                         = 101.5 N Free body diagram for second situation : ------------------------------------                                           -----------------------------> F      F ' <-------------- (b).In first case net force F + F ' = 316 N In second case net force F - F ' = 113 N ( F + F ' ) + ( F - F ' ) = 316 + 113                               2F = 429 From this big force F = 214.5 N We know F + F ' = 316 From this smaller force   F ' = 316 - F                                         = 101.5 N

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