Tension: Overview, Definition, Formula & Examples

Tension is the force that is exerted when physical objects come in contact with each other. The force exerted by rope, string, or chain is called a force of tension. The word tension comes from a Latin word meaning “To Stretch”, the objects tend to exert force even from a significant distance. For example, a sledge pulled by a group of huskies.

Tension is described as a pulling force exerted by each end of a string, cable, or chain. We can say that tension is created while pulling not from pushing. It cannot draw force by pushing the rope or string. Students can refer to the latest Class 11 Embibe’s NCERT Solutions for Physics to clear all the doubts related to Tension. In this article, we will provide detailed information on Tension.

Define Tension

Tension is described as the force exerted by each end of the rod or string. Also, can be defined as action-reaction pair of forces acting on each other. The ends of rope or string will exert force on the object to which it is connected. For example, a string or rope holding on the branch of a tree causes tension in the rope.

Formula of Tension

The ends of strings or any other objects under tension will exert force on the object to which the string is connected. The force created due to tension is called tension forces. The tension is equal to the product of the mass of the object added to the product of mass and acceleration.

T=mg + ma

Where,

T is tension,
m is mass,
g is gravitational force
a is acceleration.

Solved Examples on Tension

Example 1: One end of a string of length l is connected to a particle of mass m and the other to a small peg on a smooth horizontal table. If the particle moves in a circle with speed v, what is the net force on the particle (directed towards the centre).

Ans: To move in a circular path, the particle needs a centripetal force. When a particle connected to a string revolves in a circular path around a center, the centripetal force is provided by the tension produced in the string. Hence, in the given case, the net force on the particle is the tension T, i.e.,

F = T = mv²/l

Where F is the net force acting on the particle. And T is the tension in the string.

Example 2: Two bodies of masses 10 kg and 20 kg respectively kept on a smooth, horizontal surface are tied to the ends of a light string. A horizontal force F = 600 N is applied to (i) A, (ii) B along the direction of string. What is the tension in the string in each case?

Ans: Horizontal force, F = 600 N

Mass of body A, m1 = 10 kg

Mass of body B, m2 = 20 kg

Total mass of the system, m = m1 + m2 = 30 kg

(i) Using Newton’s second law of motion, the acceleration (a) produced in the system can be calculated as:

?net = ma

When force F is applied to the body:

A: According to Newton’s 2nd law the equation of motion can be written as: ? – ? = ?1? where T is the tension produced in the string.

? = ? – ?1?

∴ ? = 600 – 10 × 20 = 400 N

(ii) When force F is applied on body B:

The equation of motion can be written as:

? – ? = ?2?

? = ? – ?2?

∴ ? = 600 – 20 × 20 = 200 N

Summary

Tension is defined as the force exerted by each end of the rod or string. The term Tension is derived from the Latin word that means, “To Stretch”. The force developed due to tension is known as tension forces. The tension can be calculated by the product of the mass of the object added to the product of mass and acceleration.

Furthermore, it is important to note that one cannot push a rope or string to create tension. Thus, tension is developed due to pulling and not pushing. So, Tension is never applied on its own until it is pulled.

FAQs on Tension

Q.1. What is the formula of tension?
A. The formula of tension is T=mg +ma.

Q.2. Does tension do work?
A. We should understand that tension is never applied on its own until it is pulled.

Q.3. Does tension depend on mass?
A. If the object is tied with string or rope from a fixed point, there will be tension created promotional to the mass of the object.

Q.4. Name the force created by tension.
A. The force created due to tension is known as tension forces.

Q.5. How is tension created?
A. Tension is created while pulling and not from pushing.

If you are planning to appear for some competitive examinations like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and NEET, you can take the JEE Main Mock Tests and NEET Mock Tests on Embibe. Solving these practice questions and taking these mock tests will enhance your preparation level for the exam.

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