Tension
Definition
Tension is a pulling force transmitted through a string, rope, cable, or any flexible connector. It acts along the direction of the connector and has equal magnitude at both ends.
Analogy
Think of tension as playing tug-of-war with a rope. The tension in the rope is what keeps both teams pulling against each other.
Related terms
Compression: A pushing force that tends to shorten or squeeze an object.
Elasticity: The property of a material that allows it to return to its original shape after being deformed by an external force.
Equilibrium: When all forces acting on an object balance out, resulting in no net acceleration.
"Tension" appears in:
Subjects (6)
Study guides (5)
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (7)
- An acrobat walks across a (massless) tightrope between two buildings. As she walks, the rope sags a little, and makes some angle to the horizontal. Which of the following actions would increase the tension in the rope?
- A horizontal, uniform board of weight 125 N and length 4 m is supported by vertical chains at each end. A person weighing 500 N is sitting on the board. The tension in the right chain is 250 N. How far from the left end of the board is the person sitting?
- A 2 kg mass is attached to the end of a 1m long rope. The mass is swung in a vertical circle using the other end of the rope. If the speed of the mass at the highest point in the circle is 5 m/s, what is the tension in the rope at that point? Assume that gravity is 10 m/s.
- A 2 kg mass is attached to the end of a 1m long rope. The mass is swung in a vertical circle using the other end of the rope. If the speed of the mass at the lowest point in the circle is 5 m/s, what is the tension in the rope at that point? Assume that gravity is 10 m/s.
- An object is attached to one end of a free rope and is being spun in a vertical circle. At the highest point of the circle, tension and weight are ___________.
- An object is attached to one end of a free rope and is being spun in a vertical circle. At the lowest point of the circle, tension and weight are ___________.
- An object is attached to one end of a free rope and is being spun in a vertical circle. At the highest point of the circle, tension is ___________ the gravitational force.
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