Tension of rope between two blocks

[sweet-buds]

Homework Statement

let's say we have 2 blocks as shown.
[]->T1----T1-<--[]

both blocks are joined by a common rope having a tension T.lets say when the blocks are pulled apart, the tension acts in the direction on the blocks as shown in figure as they try to prevent the sting from expanding. but let's say if the blocks are ppushed towards each other, the ropes would begin to slack and tension would become zero. Inthis case ,does the tension acton the blocks in the opposite direction as shown in the diagram as to oppose the slacking of rope or they simply continue to act int the same direction?if that were the case tension would begin to push the two blocks.
I am asking this bcoz I am confused with 2 properties of tension:
Tension cannot bear compression.
Tension can never push a rope or body

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Gear300]

Tension can be noted as...well...for example: the force that pulls a block when it is attached to a string. If the string slacks, then tension is 0. Another example: you take 2 blocks and have a string attached between them; if you straighten the string by pulling the blocks in opposite directions and then let go, the string will slack due to tension. At some point, it does not slack further because the tension is 0 (there is no more pull). Tension tends to pull on the object its attached to, not push.

 

[m2003]

I would like to clarify the concept of tension in this scenario. Tension is a force that is transmitted through a rope or string when it is pulled tight by forces acting on opposite ends. In this situation, the tension is acting in the same direction as the pulling force on the rope, regardless of whether the blocks are being pulled apart or pushed together. This is because the tension is still being transmitted through the rope, even if the direction of the force changes.

The two properties of tension mentioned in the content are correct. Tension cannot bear compression, meaning it cannot prevent objects from being pushed together. In this case, the blocks are being pushed together, and the tension in the rope cannot prevent this from happening. However, tension can still exist in the rope even if it is being compressed.

Additionally, tension cannot push a rope or body because it is a pulling force. In this scenario, the tension in the rope is still acting as a pulling force, even if the direction of the force changes. It is not pushing the blocks together, but rather preventing the rope from becoming slack.

In summary, tension in the rope between the two blocks will always act in the same direction as the pulling force, regardless of whether the blocks are being pulled apart or pushed together. This is because tension is a force transmitted through the rope, and not a force acting directly on the blocks. I hope this helps clarify any confusion about the concept of tension.