A farmer wishes to remove a stump from a field by pulling it out with his tractor. Having removed many stumps before, he estimates that he will need 6 tons (12,000 pounds) of force to remove the stump. However, his tractor is only capable of pulling with a force of 7000 pounds, so he asks his neighbor to help. His neighbor’s tractor can pull with a force of 5500 pounds. They attach the two tractors to the stump with a  45° angle between the forces as shown in the figure.

(a) Assuming the farmer’s estimate of a needed 6-ton force is correct, will the farmer be successful in removing the stump? Explain. 

(b) Had the farmer arranged the tractors with a 45° angle between the forces, would he have been successful in removing the stump? Explain.

Transcribed Image Text:

5500 lb 40° 7000 lb