Back to 'Unit 4: Dynamics'

Topic outline

  • 4.8: Solving Problems Using Newton's Second Law: Tension

    Collapse all Expand all

    Tension is the force along the length of an object. We normally think of tension as a force of the object's strength, such as for a rope. Objects, such as ropes, can only exert forces in the same direction as their length. If a rope is attached to a hanging object, the object's weight exerts a force toward the earth while the rope acts as a tension force in the opposite direction of the weight. Much like the normal force from the table mentioned earlier, this keeps the object from falling down.