Tension force at molecular level

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 4K views
attentater
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
hey, i want to understand how does the molecules of a rope or cable generate tension when force is applied at both ends. consider a block of mass m hanging from a ceiling with the help of a string. please explain what's goin on at the molecular level in a rope when forces are applied at both ends.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The molecules in a solid are attraced to each other by electromagnetic forces. When you pull on the rope, you deform it, and actually move the molecules away from their resting state. They want to go back to their resting state, and will pull in order to do so.