Here’s the solution to the “Describing Forces” worksheet based on the tug-of-war diagram:
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1. Would you describe the forces as push or pull?
✔ Pull
> *Explanation:* In tug-of-war, both teams are gripping the rope and pulling it toward themselves. The force applied is a *pulling* force — not pushing.
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2. Would you describe the forces as working TOGETHER or OPPOSITE one another?
✔ Opposite
> *Explanation:* Team A pulls left (1,200 N), and Team B pulls right (850 N). These forces act in opposite directions along the same line — they are opposing each other.
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3. Are the forces equal?
✔ No
> *Explanation:* Team A exerts 1,200 Newtons, while Team B exerts 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?
✔ Move to the LEFT
> *Explanation:* The greater force determines the direction of motion. Team A (left) pulls with 1,200 N, which is stronger than Team B’s 850 N. So the rope will accelerate (move) to the
left.
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5. The resultant force can be described as:
✔ c) 350 Newtons
> *Explanation:* Resultant force = Larger force – Smaller force (since they’re opposite)
> → 1,200 N – 850 N =
350 N
> This net force acts in the direction of the larger force — to the left.
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6. Who wins this tug-of-war?
✔ b) Team A
> *Explanation:* Team A applies the greater force (1,200 N > 850 N), so they pull the rope their way 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 types of forces worksheet.
