Tension Force: Definitions, Examples, Formula, Properties, Factors Affecting, Uses, and Common Misconceptions

Tension Force Overview

Tension is described as the force transferred through a rope, string, or wire when it is pulled by opposing forces. The tension force is directed along the wire's length, pulling energy evenly onto the bodies at the ends.

What is Tension?

Tension is a force that runs down the length of a medium, particularly one that is conveyed by a flexible medium such as a rope or cable. It is defined as a pair of action-reaction forces acting at either end of the specified components. Apart from the endpoints of a rope, the tension force is felt by every piece of the rope in both directions. The ends are subjected to tension on one side and force from the connected weight on the other. In other cases, the tension fluctuates across the string.

What is Tension Force?

Every physical item that comes into contact with another puts some force on it. The names of these contact forces are assigned based on the type of item. Tension may be defined as one of the forces acting on an item, such as a rope, cable, or chain. Because they can efficiently transfer a force over a certain distance (e.g., the rope length), cables and ropes can be utilized to exert forces. Because ropes cannot effectively push, tension is the pulling force. Pushing a rope makes it slack and lose the tension that permits it to pull back to its original location. This may seem apparent, but when sketching the forces operating on an object, some people frequently draw the force of tension in the wrong direction. As a result, tension can only pull an item.

Examples of Tension Force

For example, if a person pulls a massless rope with a force of 20 N, the block feels the same force. All massless ropes are subjected to two opposing and equal tension forces. In this case, the individual tugging a block with a rope experiences a net force. As a result, all massless ropes are subjected to two opposing and equal tension pressures. When a person pulls a block, the rope experiences stress in one direction from the pull and tension in the other way from the block's reactive force.

Tension Force Formula

Body tension can be stated mathematically as follows-

T = mg + ma

Where,

T stands for tension force (N)

m denotes mass (kg)

g indicates gravitational force, 9.8 m/s²

A denotes acceleration in meters per second (m/s²)

*This formula is utilized if the mass being dragged by the rope also has acceleration; if there is no acceleration, then the weight of the body equals the tension in the rope.

Dimensional tension force formula: [M¹L¹T²]

Properties of Tension Force

Tension force has the following key properties-

1. Because ropes cannot effectively push, tension acts as a pulling force.
2. Cables and ropes are used to apply forces because they can transfer a force over a given distance and at a precise location.
3. Pushing a rope leads it to become slack and lose the tension that permits it to pull back from its original location.
4. Tension forces may thus only be felt while pulling an object away.
5. To constitute a tension force, the load supplied to the material should be exerted axially.
6. When a load is applied to one or more materials in a certain direction, the tension force is expressed as a pulling force.
7. When the rope has little mass, it distributes force from one end to the other very well.

Factors Affecting Tension Force

The following are the main elements that influence the tension force in a string or cable-

1. Applied Load/Pulling Force: The stronger the pulling force exerted at the string's ends, the greater the tension inside the string as it opposes the separation of the ends.
2. Cross-Sectional Area: Thicker strings/cables with larger cross-sectional areas may tolerate higher tension than thinner ones because they have more material-resisting separation.
3. Flexibility: Because flexibility allows for some stretch, more flexible strings create less tension than stiffer ones under the same applied force.
4. Length: Longer strings require more tension to counteract the separation of the far ends than shorter strings.
5. Temperature: Higher temperatures can diminish a material's strength as well as the maximum stress it can sustain before failing.

Uses of Tension Force

Tension Force is useful in the following circumstances and objects-

1. In the "tug of war" game, tension forces are applied.
2. It is used to lift lightweight things on a crane machine.
3. It is used to pull automobiles on a busy highway or road.
4. One of the most popular uses of tension force is to draw water from a well.
5. They are also used for a variety of gym equipment.
6. Weighing balances employ tension forces.

Common Misconceptions of Tension Forces

The following are some of the typical misconceptions of tension forces-

1. Tension is a pulling force, not a pushing force, because ropes cannot effectively push. Attempting to push the rope will cause it to become slack and lose its tension. 
2. This may seem apparent, yet when depicting the forces operating on an item, individuals frequently draw the force of tension in the wrong direction. 
3. As a result, it is critical to remember that tension can only pull on an item and not push against it.

Points to Remember

1. When a rope, thread, or cable is stretched by an applied force, tension develops.
2. It is a pulling force that acts parallel to and opposite to the applied force along the length of the wire.
3. It is a contact force that travels through a flexible material. 
4. Tension force is produced when axial force is applied to an item. 
5. T = mg + ma is the Tension Force Formula.
6. Common tension pressures include pulling a rope in a well, tug of war, hauling automobiles or trucks, and so forth.

Sample Questions Related to Tension Force

Sample Question 1: What is the magnitude and direction of a Tension Force? 

Solution: Tension forces are forces that pull. When a rope is pulled, the tension forces operate in the direction of the pull, away from the item. Similarly, the tension force acting on a hanging object would be in the upward direction when the rope is pulled upwards to make it hang. 

Sample Question 2: What influence does gravity have on the tension force?

Solution: Tension force always acts in the opposite direction of gravitational force. As a result, when an object hangs, the tension force balances the gravitational attraction so that the object does not fall.

Sample Question 3: How is pulling a bucket of water from a well an example of Tension Force?

Solution: One of the most common instances and uses of tension forces is pulling a bucket of water from a well. One end of the rope is linked to the bucket handle, while the other end is tied to the pulley. Tension builds up when this sort of rope or cable is stretched by an external force. The rope serves as a conduit for energy transfer between the bucket and the person attempting to retrieve water from the well. The individual can then get water from the well in this manner.