Answer
The skaters are pulling each other with a force of 280 N.
Work Step by Step
Let's consider the situation for one skater.
$F = m\frac{v^2}{r}$
$F = m\frac{(2\pi r)^2}{T^2r}$
$F = m\frac{4\pi^2 r}{T^2}$
$F = (55.0 ~kg)\frac{(4\pi^2)(0.80 ~m)}{(2.5 ~s)^2}$
$F = 280~N$
Therefore, the skaters are pulling each other with a force of 280 N.
