Tension Force (Meaning & Definition) Explained with Examples

As per the name, you can guess the meaning of this force.

A tension force is a force which is generated by the tension.

In physics, the definition of tension force can be stated as:

“A force transmitted through a wire, rope or a string when it is pulled from opposite ends is known as a Tension Force“

Not understood properly?

Don’t worry. Let’s consider some Real Life examples to understand the above definition.

(So you’ll get an exact idea)

Examples of Tension Force in Everyday Life

Here’s a list of Everyday Life examples of tension force:

• Rope used for climbing a mountain

• Strings of a guitar

• Rope when pulled from two ends

• Cables of a suspension bridge

• Chain towing a bike

• Wire fencing in a farm

• String tied with a hanging block

• Shoelace hanging with a shoe

• Tent ropes fixed in the land

• And more…

Let’s understand each one of these examples with pictures.

#1 Rope used for climbing a mountain

Here, a girl is climbing a mountain with the help of rope.

When she climbs a mountain, the rope gets pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in the rope.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through the rope.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

#2 Strings of a guitar

Here, a boy is playing a guitar.

When he plays a guitar, the strings of a guitar get pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in the strings.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through the strings.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

#3 Rope when pulled from two ends

Here, a rope is pulled by the two hands.

When two hands pull the rope, the rope gets pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in the rope.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through the rope.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

#4 Cables of a suspension bridge

Here, some cables are hanging on a suspension bridge.

While hanging on a suspension bridge, they get pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in these cables.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through the cables.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

#5 Chain towing a bike

Here, a truck is towing a bike with the help of a chain.

While towing a bike, the chain gets pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in the chain.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through the chain.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

#6 Wire fencing in a farm

Here, some wires are fixed in a wire fence.

As these wires are fixed tightly, they get pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in these wires.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through the wires.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

#7 String tied with a hanging block

Here, a boy is pulling a block with the help of string.

When he pulls the block, the string gets pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in the string.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through the string.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

#8 Shoelace hanging with a shoe

Here, shoelace is hanging with a shoe.

While hanging with a shoe, shoelace gets pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in a shoelace.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through a shoelace.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

#9 Tent ropes fixed in the land

Here, some tent ropes are fixed in the land.

As these ropes are fixed tightly, they get pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in these ropes.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through the ropes.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

#10 Rope used in a crane

Here, a heavy hook (fixed with rope) is hanging from a crane.

Due to the heavy weight of a hook, the rope gets pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in the rope.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through the rope.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

#11 Rope used in wire balancing act

Here, a boy is performing a balancing act by walking on the rope.

While performing a balancing act, the rope gets pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in the rope.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through the rope.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

#12 Rope used for fishing

Here, a boy is fishing near the river with the help of rope.

When he catches a fish, the rope gets pulled from opposite ends.

So, a tension is generated in the rope.

Due to this tension, a force is transmitted through the rope.

This force is known as a Tension Force.

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There are so many other examples of tension force that we are experiencing in our everyday life.

Summary

From the above examples, one thing is understood.

Whenever a wire, rope or a string is pulled from opposite ends, a tension force is produced.

That’s how you can easily remember the definition of tension force:

“A force transmitted through a wire, rope or a string when it is pulled from opposite ends is known as a Tension Force“

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What do you think, is it easy for you to understand this concept of tension force?

(Let me know in the comments below)

Related:

• What is Force?

• Different Types of Forces

• Contact Force

• Non contact Force

• Balanced Force

• Unbalanced Force