Tension Forces and Block: Direction of Pulling?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of tension forces in a scenario where a block is being pulled by a string. Participants explore the direction of tension in relation to the pulling force and the resistance of the block, with implications for understanding tension in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the tension in the string is directed to the right, in the direction of the pull, or to the left, opposing the block's resistance.
  • Another participant references Newton's third law, suggesting that tension is related to the forces acting in opposite directions.
  • A subsequent reply proposes that tension acts in both directions, explaining that the forces on the string are balanced when in equilibrium.
  • It is noted that tension in the string points towards the direction it is being pulled, while opposing forces such as friction may act in the opposite direction, depending on the block's motion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the direction of tension, with some suggesting it aligns with the pulling force and others indicating it opposes the block's resistance. The discussion remains unresolved regarding a definitive understanding of tension direction.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully clarify the conditions under which tension is considered, such as whether the block is in motion or at rest, and how friction plays a role in the scenario.

mybrohshi5
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If i have a block (b) and attach a string and pull it to the right. in what direction will the tension be?

(b)------->me pulling to the right

is the tension of the string to the right cause that is the way i am pulling or is the tension in the string to the left because that is the direction the block is resisting the pull?thank you... just trying to understand tension for my exam tomorrow :biggrin:
 
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So would the tension in the string be to the left then in the direction the block is resisting the force?

thanks :)
 
Hi mybrohshi5! :smile:
mybrohshi5 said:
If i have a block (b) and attach a string and pull it to the right. in what direction will the tension be?

Tension acts both ways.

Imagine a tiny litle bit of the string … it's in equilibrium, so the total external forces on it are zero …

the only forces are its weight (usually negligible), and the pulling force at each end.

That force at each end is the tension, T … you can see it acts in both directions! :smile:

If you pull a string with a block on the other end, and the tension is T, then the force on you is T towards the block, and the force on the block is T towards you. :wink:​
 
there is tension in the string pointing towards the direction its pulling and in the opposite is usually static or kinetic friction, depends if the object is moving or not.
 

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