As per Newton`s third law each team pulls opposite team with equal force in tug of war then why one team wins and other loses?

Newton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This principle applies perfectly to a game of tug of war, where two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope. At first glance, it might seem that since both teams exert equal force on each other, they should remain in a stalemate. However, the outcome of the game depends on several factors beyond just the forces applied to the rope.

Understanding the Dynamics of Tug of War

In tug of war, while both teams pull with equal force, the result is influenced by various elements such as:

• Friction: The grip of the players' feet on the ground plays a crucial role. If one team has better traction, they can exert more effective force without slipping.
• Team Coordination: How well a team works together can amplify their pulling strength. A synchronized effort can create a more powerful pull than individual strength alone.
• Weight and Strength: The physical attributes of the team members, including their combined weight and strength, can impact their ability to pull effectively.
• Positioning: The way team members position themselves can affect their leverage and overall pulling power.

Breaking Down the Forces

Let’s delve deeper into how these factors interact. When both teams pull on the rope, they exert forces that are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. However, the net force acting on each team is not just about the force they exert on the rope; it also includes the frictional force between their feet and the ground.

For example, if Team A has a better grip on the ground due to their shoes or the surface they are standing on, they can maintain their position and pull harder against Team B. If Team B starts to slip, they lose their effective pulling force, even though they might still be trying to pull with the same strength. This difference in friction can lead to one team winning while the other loses, despite both teams pulling with equal force on the rope.

Illustrating with an Analogy

Think of it like two cars trying to pull a heavy trailer. If both cars have the same engine power but one car has better tires that grip the road, it will be able to pull the trailer more effectively. The car with the better traction can apply its engine power more efficiently, just like a team with better footing can pull harder in tug of war.

Conclusion on Winning and Losing

In summary, while Newton's third law explains that forces are equal and opposite, the outcome in tug of war is determined by additional factors such as friction, teamwork, strength, and positioning. These elements create a scenario where one team can effectively pull the other across the line, leading to a clear winner and loser in the match.