Mechanics: Three Students and a Rope

PIRA Class: 1J30.25

Purpose:
To demonstrate forces resolved into components.

Description: 

1. Two strong students pull on opposite ends of a rope as in tug-o-war (alternatively, tie one end of the rope to the door/wall as shown).

2. A third student pulls the center of the rope perpendicular to the rope.

3. Even a small force from the third student will cause a noticeable displacement of the rope and can pull the two students towards each other.

A third student pulling with 1/3 the force as the tug-o-war students will be enough to pull the rope to a 10 degrees angle.

Equipment:
Rope

Location:
Shelf 124