Negative Tension: Myth or Reality?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of negative tension and whether it can exist in objects such as springs, ropes, or strings. The participants also consider if compression can be thought of as negative tension and the definition of tension in relation to stress.
  • #1
Himal kharel
79
0
Is there anything such as negative tension?
 
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  • #2
The first thing that came to mind is a spring. Let's say you have a condensed spring. There is tension; it will expand if allowed. I was thinking that maybe during expansion there would be something that could be called negative tension. However, as soon as the spring reaches its natural equilibrium length, and proceeds to expand beyond that due to momentum, there will be something I think could be characterized as tension pulling the spring back to its equilibrium length.

I hope I don't get an infraction for conjecture, but I thought this might help.

Jake
 
  • #3
I guess compression could be thought of as "negative tension", and could be exhibited by springs or relatively stiff objects. But there would never be negative tension in a rope or string, since it would simply go slack and exert zero force.
 
  • #4
Redbelly98 said:
I guess compression could be thought of as "negative tension", and could be exhibited by springs or relatively stiff objects. But there would never be negative tension in a rope or string, since it would simply go slack and exert zero force.

Isn't compression a form of tension since there are atoms out of equilibrium - or is that not part of the definition of tension?

Jake
 
  • #5
Wouldn't tension be an absolute value? i.e. any stress deviating from zero, regardless of sign?
 

FAQ: Negative Tension: Myth or Reality?

Can negative tension exist in physical systems?

Yes, negative tension can exist in physical systems. Negative tension is a type of tension that occurs when a pulling force is applied in the opposite direction of the natural tension of a material. This can be observed in materials such as rubber or elastic bands, where stretching them in one direction causes them to contract in the opposite direction.

How is negative tension different from positive tension?

Negative tension is different from positive tension in that it occurs when a force is applied in the opposite direction of the natural tension of a material, while positive tension occurs when a force is applied in the same direction as the natural tension. Negative tension can result in contraction, while positive tension results in expansion.

Can negative tension be measured?

Yes, negative tension can be measured using instruments such as strain gauges or force sensors. These instruments can detect changes in tension in a material, whether it is positive or negative. By measuring the changes in tension, negative tension can be quantified and studied.

What are some real-world examples of negative tension?

One real-world example of negative tension is the recoil of a rubber band when it is stretched and then released. The rubber band contracts in the opposite direction of the applied force, demonstrating negative tension. Another example is the contraction of muscles in the human body, which is caused by negative tension.

Is negative tension important in any scientific fields?

Yes, negative tension is important in various scientific fields, such as material science, biology, and engineering. Understanding the properties and behavior of materials under negative tension can help in designing structures and devices that can withstand and utilize this type of tension. In biology, understanding negative tension in muscles can aid in studying muscle contraction and movement. Negative tension is also important in fields such as biomechanics and robotics.

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