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Tension - Definition, Examples, Units, Formula, FAQs

Tension - Definition, Examples, Units, Formula, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 15, 2022 09:53 AM IST

What is Tension Force? Tension in physics is a contact force. The tightness of a rope or string when you try to stretch it is called tension.
Tension definition in physics
When two or more physical objects come into touch with each other, they exert forces on each other. These contact forces are given different names depending on the objects in touch. The force is called tension if one of the items in contact is a string, rope, cable, or spring.

Tension Physics -Examples

A stone is suspended with the help of a thread and its free end is fastened to the ceiling, as shown in Figure

Gravity pushes a stone attached to a string down all the time, but the stone does not fall since it is held by the string. As a result, there is a force that pulls the stone upward to support it against gravity.

Tension Physics Examples

(Image drawn using Microsoft paint)

The upward tension force balances the gravitational force in the case above, as seen in the diagram below.

tension force balance

(Image drawn using Microsoft word)

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Tension definition

When forces working from opposite ends pull a cable, rope, wire, or string tight, the tension force is conveyed through the cable, rope, wire, or string. It travels the length of the cable, pulling evenly on the items at both ends.

The action-reaction pair of forces acting at each end of the aforementioned elements can alternatively be defined as tension. Tension can be thought of as the polar opposite of compression.

Cables and ropes can be utilised to exert force because they can efficiently transfer force over a short distance. Because the ropes cannot effectively push, tension is the pulling force.

Tension meaning

In physics, a tension force is the force created when a rope, string, or cable is stretched under a force. Tension is applied along the length of the rope/cable in the opposite direction of the force applied.

Tension meaning in English

The state of being stretched tight.

Tension- units

For suspended objects in equilibrium, the tension is equal to the mass of the object times its gravitational acceleration.

Tension SI units are N (newtons), or kg-m/s²

Tension formula

The tension in the cable/string, which pulling up object, is equal to weight force, i.e. mg, where m is a mass as well as g is acceleration induced by gravity, which is dragging down the object, the system has a constant velocity and is in equilibrium

T=mg (mass multiplied by gravitation)

T is for tension, m is for mass, kg is for gravitational force, and g is for gravitational force.

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Direction of tension force

This "pull" is a force we refer to as tension. As a result, tension will point away from the mass and toward the string. The string, in the instance of the hanging mass, pulls it up, exerting an upward force on mass, along with tension upwards..

Newton's Laws and Tension Force:

The tension is the final application of Newton's law. Tension normally arises when a force is transmitted through cables or rope. Consider a block that is being dragged by a rope. The person pulling on one end of the rope isn't in contact with the block at the other end, so he or she can't exert direct force on it. As a result, the force is applied to the rope, which then transmits it to the block. The tension force is the force that the block feels as it pulls on the rope.

Classical mechanics is concerned with massless ropes and cables. If a cable or rope has no mass, it transmits force perfectly from one end to the other. For example, if a man pulls the massless rope with 30 N of power, the block will only be subjected to 30 N of force.

The overall force on the rope must be zero at all times, which is a key characteristic of the massless rope. Newton's second law can be used to demonstrate this. If a net force is applied to a massless rope, the result is infinite acceleration A=F/m and the rope's mass is zero.

Because the situation described above is physically impossible, the massless rope will never experience net force.

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Why is the Tension of a Massless String Constant?

Because a string is extended and non-rigid, tension exists throughout the thread rather than being applied at a single location, the concept of tension in a string might be difficult to grasp.

What is the Importance of Tension Force?

All physical things that come into contact with one another can exert forces on one another. It's vital to remember that tension is a pulling force because ropes can't effectively push. When you try to pull anything with a rope, it becomes slack and loses the tension that allowed it to pull in the first place.

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NCERT Physics Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can we determine the tension force's direction?

The pull, which is called tension, is the direction of tension. A thread pulls the mass upwards in the case of a hanging mass, hence the string/rope exerts an upper force on the mass and the tension is on the upper side.

2. When two equal 5 N forces are applied to the spring's one end and if the other end is hung on a wall, what is the tension experienced by the spring?

The string has a tensile force of 10 N. 

3. What effect does gravity have on the tension force?

The gravitational force acts in the opposite direction of tension. If an object is suspended, tension must be used to keep it balanced; otherwise, gravity will cause it to fall.

4. In what situations would the tension force between two bodies tied by a single rope differ?

Because the rope works as a force transfer agent, there should never be a situation when two items connected by one rope are subjected to tension forces of different magnitudes.

5. Why does tension always produce zero work?

The amount of work done is determined by both force and displacement. Although tension is a force, it does not result in any displacement. In the case of tension, W = F 0 = 0 if the work done is given by the equation W = FS where F is the force and S is the displacement. As a result, tension produces little work.

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Option 1: Tension between East and West

Option 2: Ideological rivalry between the Capitalist and Communist world

Option 3: Tension between superpowers

Option 4: All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above


Solution : The correct option is All of the above.

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Option 2: oil is more viscous.

Option 3: oil does not mix with water.

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Correct Answer: surface tension of oils is much smaller than that of water.


Solution : The correct option is surface tension of oil is less than that of water.

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Option 2: The shape of the water drop is spherical due to surface tension.

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Option 4: The cohesive forces between liquid molecules are responsible for the phenomenon known as surface tension.

Correct Answer: At room temperature, the surface tension of water is less than ethyl alcohol.


Solution : The correct option is At room temperature the surface tension of water is less than ethyl alcohol.

Water has a greater surface tension than ethyl alcohol at a normal temperature. At room temperature, the surface tension of water is around 72 mN/m, whereas that of ethyl alcohol is roughly 22 mN/m. The higher degree of hydrogen bonding between water molecules in the bulk liquid is the cause of this discrepancy.

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