Question

A towline is attached between a car and a glider. As the car speeds due east along the runway, the towline exerts a horizontal force of \(850 \mathrm{N}\) on the glider. What is the magnitude and direction of the force exerted by the glider on the towline?

Short answer

Answer: The magnitude of the force exerted by the glider on the towline is 850 N, and the direction is towards the west.

Step-by-step solution

Recall Newton's Third Law of Motion

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In other words, the forces exerted by two objects on each other are always equal in magnitude but have opposite directions.

Determine the magnitude of the force exerted by the glider

Since the force exerted by the towline on the glider is 850 N, by Newton's Third Law, the force exerted by the glider on the towline must have the same magnitude. Therefore, the magnitude of the force exerted by the glider is 850 N.

Determine the direction of the force exerted by the glider

As previously mentioned, the forces exerted by two objects on each other have opposite directions. So, if the force exerted by the towline on the glider is directed towards the east, then the force exerted by the glider on the towline is directed towards the west.

State the magnitude and direction of the force exerted by the glider

The magnitude of the force exerted by the glider on the towline is 850 N and the direction is towards the west.