Tension Forces and Block: Direction of Pulling?

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When pulling a block to the right with a string, the tension in the string acts in both directions. The tension is directed towards the block on one end and towards the person pulling on the other end. This means that while the pull is to the right, the block also exerts an equal and opposite force, creating tension that can be considered to act to the left as well. The forces are in equilibrium, with tension balancing the pulling force and any friction acting on the block. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping the principles of tension for exams.
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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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