Tension

A force of tension is the force exerted by a rope, string, or chain. The word tension derives from a Latin word that means “to stretch,” and it refers to the tendency for objects to exert power even when they are separated by a substantial distance. A sledge pulled by a pack of huskies is an example.

Tension

Tension is defined in physics as the pulling force transferred axially by a string, cable, chain, or similar object, or by each end of a rod, truss member, or similar three-dimensional object; it can alternatively be defined as the action-reaction pair of forces operating at each end of those elements. Tension can be thought of as the polar opposite of compression.

Tensions in one dimension

The tension of a one-dimensional string is a scalar quantity. The tension isn’t in a bad way. The string is slack when the tension is zero. Ropes and strings are massless, unlike ropes and strings, which have a length dimension but no cross-section. Because the tension along the string remains constant, no bends will develop that are not generated by vibrations or pulleys, as they do with vibrations and pulleys.

These are the forces exerted on the ends of the string or rope by the objects to which they are tied, according to Newton’s third law. The tension of a string determines the frequencies it produces when it vibrates. Newton’s law of motion is used to calculate these frequencies.

Tension in three dimensions

The force exerted by the ends of a three-dimensional, continuous material, such as a rod or truss member, is also known as tension. Under stress, such a rod elongates. Stress=axial forcearea of cross section is more relevant for engineering reasons than tension since the degree of elongation and the load that will cause failure both depend on the force per cross-sectional area rather than the force alone. Tensile force per area, or compression force per area, is a 3×3 matrix called a tensor, and the element of the stress tensor is tensile force per area, or compression force per area, which is denoted as a negative value if the rod is compressed rather than extended.

Examples of tension in real life

1. Towing of car:

When towing a vehicle, the tension force is transferred to the attached vehicle via a taut chain. The chains and wires utilized in the towing mechanism have negligible bulk in order to maximize power transfer. An arrangement of chain and pulley receives energy from the towing vehicle’s motor. This energy is then connected to the vehicle being towed, allowing the operator to pull the vehicle.

2. Pulling of a bucket of water:

One of the greatest instances of tension forces is the extraction of water from a well. It makes use of a rope with one end linked to the bucket handle and the other end tied to the pulley. Tension is created when this rope 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. As a result, with the proper application of tension force and pulley, the operation is simplified, and water can be extracted quickly.

3. Weighing:

Weighing is used in nearly every industry. To indicate their price and quantity, most products are measured in terms of weight. This is normally accomplished with the aid of a traditional weighing balance. The weighing apparatus is made out of a rod with plates attached to both ends by strings. The quantity to be measured is suspended on one plate, while the standard weight is placed on the other. The weights of both plates are then compared once the equipment is lifted into the air. The quantity to be measured is equal to the standard weight if the equipment is balanced. The tension force is crucial in making the weighing procedure possible.

4. Gym equipment:

Tension force is used by most gym equipment, such as the Lat Pull  Down Machine and resistance bands, to deliver fitness-related services. Weights are attached to one end of the string in a Lat Pull Down Machine, which can be adjusted to the user’s preference. The wire’s opposite end is connected to a handle. Strings with a low mass are employed in these applications. It keeps the equipment taut even while it’s not in use. Similarly, by applying tension and compression force to a resistance band, numerous stretching exercises can be performed.

Conclusion

Every physical object that comes into contact with another puts some force on it. Names are given to these contact forces depending on the type of item. You can term it tension if one of the force-producing objects is a rope, cable, or chain.