Direction of Tension: FBD Down vs Up

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the direction of tension in a wire as represented in free body diagrams (FBDs). Participants are examining two figures that depict different ends of the wire and how this affects the perceived direction of tension.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the reasoning behind the differing directions of tension in the two figures, with some seeking further explanation of the concept of tension as it relates to the ends of the wire.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants asking for further clarification on the concept of tension and its representation in the diagrams. There is an exploration of the implications of pulling on opposite ends of the wire, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering how the perspective of viewing different ends of the wire influences the understanding of tension direction, which may involve assumptions about the setup and forces involved.

werson tan
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Homework Statement


why i figure b , the direction of FBD is in downward direction , whereas in a , its in upward directon

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The Attempt at a Solution

 

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Because in the two figures, you are looking at the opposite ends of the wire.
 
DEvens said:
Because in the two figures, you are looking at the opposite ends of the wire.
can you expalin further ?
 
werson tan said:
can you expalin further ?

Sure. Suppose we are each holding one end of a wire, and pulling as hard as we can. I am pulling to the left, say, and you to the right. So the wire is pulling me one way at my end. And the other end of the same wire is pulling you the exact opposite way at the other end.
 
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