IIT JEE , AIEEE Forum - Physics , Mechanics

kiran

HI

In a Tug of war all the 3 laws can be visualised.

There frequently comes a point in tug of war - sometimes right at the beginning but sometimes later - where neither side is moving. Both sides are pulling with the same force and therefore the rope does not accelerate in either direction. This is a classic example of Newton's First Law.

Once a net force is applied, such as when one group begins pulling a bit harder than the other, an acceleration begins, and this follows the Second Law. The group losing ground must then try to exert more force. When the net force begins going in their direction, the acceleration is in their direction. The movement of the rope slows down until it stops and, if they maintain a higher net force, it begins moving back in their direction.

The Third Law is a lot less visible, but it's still there. When you pull on that rope, you can feel that the rope is also pulling on you, trying to move you toward the other end. You plant your feet firmly in the ground, and the ground actually pushes back on you, helping you to resist the pull of the rope.

Next time you play or watch a game of tug of war - or any sport, for that matter - think about all the forces and accelerations at work. It's truly impressive to realize that you could, if you worked at it, understand the physical laws that are operating in your favorite sport.

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