1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data What is a mechanism that might cause a rubber band or a string to develop tension in response to a force that you apply? What mechanism explains how walls and tables exert normal forces without
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data What is a mechanism that might cause a rubber band or a string to develop tension in response to a force that you apply? What mechanism explains how walls and tables exert normal forces without bending noticeably? 2. Relevant equations None, since this is a conceptual question. 3. The attempt at a solution I initially wrote down the elasticity of the material used for the rubber band as well as the wall. However, I'm not completely sure my reasoning is correct. Elasticity only affects how much the object would stretch when a force is applied, not the tension force that is developed in response. Even if you had two rubber bands, one more stiffer than the other, if you applied the same amount of force on them, wouldn't they exert the same amount of tension back? In that case then, wouldn't it be the magnitude of the force exerted upon the rubber band or wall that is the mechanism?