Question

3 multiple choice 2 points
the illustration below shows a 2 - ton elephant balancing on a tree stump.
which of the following statements must be accurate?
the weight of the tree stump is greater than 2 tons.
a 4 - ton force on the ground spreads out in all directions.
the tree stump is exerting a 2 - ton force upward on the elephant.
the downward force on the ground under the tree stump is 4 tons.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the first option

The problem does not provide information about the weight of the tree - stump. Just because an elephant of 2 - ton is on it, we can't say its weight is greater than 2 tons.

Step2: Analyze the second option

The force exerted by the elephant on the stump (and then on the ground) is a vertical force (due to gravity, acting downwards). It does not spread out in all directions. Fluids exert pressure in all directions, but a solid object's weight (a force) in this context is mainly vertical.

Step3: Analyze the third option

According to Newton's third law (action - reaction), when the elephant (which has a weight of 2 tons, so a force of 2 tons acting downwards due to gravity) is on the stump, the stump exerts an equal and opposite force. So the tree stump exerts a 2 - ton force upward on the elephant.

Step4: Analyze the fourth option

There is no information to suggest that the downward force on the ground is 4 tons. The only force we know for sure related to the elephant - stump system (neglecting the stump's weight, as no info about it is given) is the 2 - ton force from the elephant.

Answer:

The tree stump is exerting a 2 - ton force upward on the elephant.