What is the relationship between tension and compression?

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In summary, tension is a force that opposes all other forces and results in stretching of the object it is acting on. It is the opposite of compression and is specifically a force that tends to pull something apart. In the case of holding a book, it is the force applied by the person to oppose the gravitational force and keep the book at rest. Tension is also associated with feelings of nervousness.
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Himal kharel
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What actually is tension
 
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A force that opposes all other forces is what I would think. Suppose you are holding a book, so that it becomes at rest. The tension is your force holding it, because you are opposing all other forces affecting the acceleration of the book. In the case of holding the book, the only force affecting the book is gravitational force. So, you are opposing gravitationa force (putting tension on the book) equal to the gravitational force so that it won't accelerate either down or up. If you opposed force more than the gravitational force of the book, then it would start accelerating upward for sometime.
 
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Himal kharel said:
What actually is tension

It's a pulling force. It results in stretching of the object that it's acting on.

It is the opposite of compression.
 
  • #4


Rayquesto said:
A force that opposes all other forces is what I would think. Suppose you are holding a book, so that it becomes at rest. The tension is your force holding it, because you are opposing all other forces affecting the acceleration of the book. In the case of holding the book, the only force affecting the book is gravitational force. So, you are opposing gravitationa force (putting tension on the book) equal to the gravitational force so that it won't accelerate either down or up. If you opposed force more than the gravitational force of the book, then it would start accelerating upward for sometime.
No, if you are holding the book with a flat hand under it, there is NO "tension" on the book. I agree with LSOS- "tension" is specifically a force that tends to pull something apart. For example if you have a weight suspended from the ceiling by a cable, the weight exerts a force on the cable downward, the attachment to the ceiling exerts a force upward- the cable is under tension.

(Of course , "surface tension" is another thing entirely.)
 
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ok! never thought of it that way! thanks!
 
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thanks bro
 
  • #7


Tension is the opposite of compression...

In the book and hand example posted, there is compression of each...

When you turn a screw in and press down on it there is some compression; once in place when its holding things together there is some tension.

"Tension" is also what I feel when I am nervous!
 

FAQ: What is the relationship between tension and compression?

What is tension?

Tension is a force that occurs when two objects are pulled in opposite directions, causing them to stretch or become elongated. It is also known as a pulling force and is typically measured in units of Newtons (N).

How is tension different from compression?

Tension and compression are both types of forces that act on objects, but they have opposite effects. While tension pulls objects apart, compression pushes them together. Tension occurs when forces act in opposite directions, whereas compression occurs when forces act in the same direction.

What causes tension?

Tension is caused by the interaction between two objects that are being pulled in opposite directions. This can be due to the weight of an object, the force of gravity, or external forces applied to an object.

How is tension important in everyday life?

Tension plays a crucial role in many aspects of everyday life. It is what allows bridges and buildings to withstand heavy loads, and it is also what allows our muscles to contract and produce movement. Tension is also important in sports, such as when a baseball player throws a ball or a weightlifter lifts a barbell.

How is tension studied in science?

Tension is studied in science through the laws of physics, specifically Newton's laws of motion. Scientists use mathematical equations to calculate tension in different situations, such as calculating the tension in a rope or cable. Tension is also an important concept in engineering and is studied to design structures and machines that can withstand various forces.

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