All Textbook Topics - Forces introduction - Types of forces - Tension is a force in a string, wire, rope or cable that is under load (there is some force in the string, wire etc...)

Tension is a force in a string, wire, rope or cable that is under load (there is some force in the string, wire etc...)

If a force is applied to a string, wire, rope, cable, spring (or anything similar to these) then it is considered to be under load. When it is under load, the force is transmitted through the object and acts on whatever is on the other side.

Here is an example of tension in a force diagram where an object has been suspended from a roof by a cable.

  • The object's weight is causing the force, which is transmitted through the suspending cable, and is being applied to the roof

Here is an example of tension in a force diagram where an object that is connected to a wall via a string is being pulled horizontally

  • The pulling force is being transmitted through the string and is being experienced by the wall
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Friction is a force that resists motion
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Compressing (Squashing) forces

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