What is Tension?

The most important application of Newton’s motion Laws is the explanation of tension. Tension can be defined as an action-reaction pair of forces acting at each end of the said elements. Tension is a force along the length of a medium, especially a force carried by a flexible medium, such as a rope or cable.


Ropes and strings are convenient in machines and mechanical systems. These are used to push or pull heavy loads. We can see the tension in using ropes or cables. If we consider a load that is pulled by a rope, a person is exerting a force at one end of the rope who’s not directly in the block’s contact. Thus, the force that is felt by a block through a rope is called tension force.

  • In the case of mass-less rope in classical mechanics, the force is transmitted from one side to another. These mass-less ropes feel two equal tension forces except in the opposite direction.
  • We can take the example of string; force is applied in string musical instruments. The string tension is a static force that is acted on these instruments.

Was this answer helpful?


0 (0)

Upvote (0)

Choose An Option That Best Describes Your Problem

Thank you. Your Feedback will Help us Serve you better.

Leave a Comment





Free Class