Here's the step-by-step solution to the tug-of-war worksheet, based on the diagram provided:
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1. Would you describe the forces as push or pull?
✔ Answer: Pull
Explanation: In a tug-of-war, both teams are gripping the rope and pulling it toward themselves. They are not pushing the rope — they are exerting force by pulling it. So, the forces involved are
pull forces.
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2. Would you describe the forces as working TOGETHER or OPPOSITE one another?
✔ Answer: Opposite
Explanation: Team A is pulling to the left (1,200 N), and Team B is pulling to the right (850 N). Since they are pulling in opposite directions, the forces are acting
opposite to each other.
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3. Are the forces equal?
✔ Answer: No
Explanation: Team A is applying 1,200 Newtons of force, while Team B is applying only 850 Newtons. Since 1,200 ≠ 850, the forces are
not equal.
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4. Based on the forces would expect the rope to NOT MOVE, MOVE TO THE LEFT, or MOVE TO THE RIGHT?
✔ Answer: Move to the left
Explanation: The side with the greater force will win. Team A (left) is pulling with 1,200 N, which is stronger than Team B’s 850 N. Therefore, the rope will move
to the left.
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5. The resultant force can be described as:
a) zero
b) 1,200 Newtons
c) 350 Newtons
d) 2,050 Newtons
✔ Answer: c) 350 Newtons
Explanation: Resultant force = Larger force – Smaller force (since they’re in opposite directions).
→ 1,200 N (Team A) – 850 N (Team B) =
350 N
The direction of the resultant force is toward Team A (left), but since the question just asks for the magnitude (and all options are positive numbers),
350 Newtons is correct.
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6. Who wins this tug-of-war?
a) No One
b) Team A
c) Team B
✔ Answer: b) Team A
Explanation: Team A exerts more force (1,200 N > 850 N), so they overpower Team B and win the tug-of-war.
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✔ Final Answers Summary:
1. Pull
2. Opposite
3. No
4. Move to the left
5. c) 350 Newtons
6. b) Team A
Let me know if you’d like a visual diagram or further explanation!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of forces and motion activity sheet.
