Tension is the pulling force of an object being stretched tight. It is the opposite of compression. Tension is measured in units of Newtons. Tension is directly related to the amount of force that is being applied to either side of the object that is being pulled. As the force on either side increases, the tension does as well.
The strap used to secure your camera around your neck is a perfect example of tension at a basic level. If you let the camera hang from the strap, gravity pulls the camera down, pulling down on the strap. Your neck pulls up on the strap, creating tension.
EXAMPLE QUESTIONS
Q. If the force on either end of the object decrease, what happens to the tension?
A. It decreases
Q. If an object is being stretched by two 100 n weights, how much tension is on the object?
A. 200 n
The strap used to secure your camera around your neck is a perfect example of tension at a basic level. If you let the camera hang from the strap, gravity pulls the camera down, pulling down on the strap. Your neck pulls up on the strap, creating tension.
EXAMPLE QUESTIONS
Q. If the force on either end of the object decrease, what happens to the tension?
A. It decreases
Q. If an object is being stretched by two 100 n weights, how much tension is on the object?
A. 200 n