All About Tension

 

What is tension? Well, tension is a contact force as well as an internal force pulling the particles of an object apart. An internal force is a force acting between two parts of the same structure. The force acts to expand/lengthen the object it is acting on.

 

How does tension work? Tension is a pulling force and works by pulling tight equally on the object on opposite/opposing ends. Tension is exerted through a string, rope, cable or wire when it is tugged equally by forces acting from the opposite ends. It works along the length of the wire and pulls equally on the opposing sides of the wire, in order to try and stretch it.

 Fun Fact: Did you know the word tension comes from a latin word meaning "to stretch".