Direction of Tension: How to Determine & Why Downward?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the direction of tension in a system involving wires BC and BD connected to a junction B. Tension is defined as a pair of opposite forces, acting differently depending on the perspective. At junction B, the tensions from wires BC and BD act downward due to the forces they exert on the junction, while they act upward on the girder at points C and D. This understanding is crucial for analyzing static equilibrium in structures.

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Homework Statement


how to determine the direction of tension ? why it acted in downward direction ? wy not in upward direction ?

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Tension and compression are better regarded as pairs of opposite forces rather than as a single force. Which way they act depends on your standpoint. If you pull on a rope, you feel as though the tension is pulling you, but the rope feels as though both ends are pulling on it.
 
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haruspex said:
Tension and compression are better regarded as pairs of opposite forces rather than as a single force. Which way they act depends on your standpoint. If you pull on a rope, you feel as though the tension is pulling you, but the rope feels as though both ends are pulling on it.
well, i still dotn understand , can you explain based on the question ?
 
werson tan said:
well, i still dotn understand , can you explain based on the question ?
The tensions in BC, BD act upward on the girder at C and D but downward on the junction B.
 
haruspex said:
The tensions in BC, BD act upward on the girder at C and D but downward on the junction B.
why they will act downward on the junction B.
 
werson tan said:
why they will act downward on the junction B.
Imagine yourself as junction B, i.e. you are holding the two wires BC and BD, and holding a third wire going up to some support above you. You alone are holding it all together. Are the wires BC and BD pulling you down or pushing you up?
 
haruspex said:
Imagine yourself as junction B, i.e. you are holding the two wires BC and BD, and holding a third wire going up to some support above you. You alone are holding it all together. Are the wires BC and BD pulling you down or pushing you up?
yes
 
werson tan said:
yes
tats how the direction of tension it is ?
 
werson tan said:
yes
Yes which, down or up
 

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