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Physics vocabulary · Motion and Forces

Tension

Meaning in physics, with examples

/ˈtenʃən/nounCommon term

In physics, tension means: The pulling force in a stretched string, rope, cable or chain. It acts along the string and pulls on the objects attached at both ends.

In Turkish: gerilme kuvveti, ip gerilmesi

How it is used

Symbol T. In simple problems the string is 'light and inextensible', so the tension is the same all along it. Tension appears in lifts, pulleys, pendulums and hanging signs. A string is 'under tension', or it 'goes slack' when the tension drops to zero.

Example sentences

  1. Find the tension in the cable when the lift accelerates upwards at 2 m/s².

  2. The tension in the string is greatest at the bottom of the pendulum's swing.

Common collocations

  • tension in the string
  • under tension
  • light inextensible string
  • surface tension
  • forceA push or a pull that can change how an object moves or change its shape. It has both size and direction and is measured in newtons (N).
  • free-body diagramA simple sketch of one object with labelled arrows for all the forces acting on it, each drawn in its own direction. It is the usual first step in solving a forces problem.
  • weightThe force with which gravity pulls on an object. It equals mass times the gravitational field strength (W = mg), is measured in newtons and changes from planet to planet.
  • centripetal forceThe net force that keeps an object moving in a circle, always pointing towards the centre of the circle. It equals mv²/r.
  • equilibriumA state in which all the forces and turning effects on an object balance, so its motion does not change. An object in equilibrium is at rest or moving at a constant velocity.

More terms: Motion and Forces

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