What is the Origin of Tension Force?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of tension force, specifically its origin and nature. Participants explore various interpretations of tension, including its physical and conceptual underpinnings, and engage in clarifying the terminology used in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant humorously suggests that tension originates in the brain, referencing personal experiences with physical tension.
  • Another participant states that tension in a rope or string originates from a pulling force acting on it, indicating that it develops when two bodies are pulled apart.
  • A claim is made that tension is an electromagnetic force, prompting requests for further explanation or references.
  • Another participant challenges the idea that tension is an electromagnetic force, asserting that intermolecular forces are responsible for preventing molecules from separating under tension.
  • A participant questions the clarity of the original inquiry about the origin of tension, suggesting that the question may not be well-defined in the context of physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the nature of tension force, with competing views presented regarding its classification and origin. Some participants agree on the basic definition of tension as a pulling force, while others contest the characterization of tension as an electromagnetic force.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definitions and origins of tension, with some references to educational materials that may not provide comprehensive explanations. The discussion highlights a lack of clarity in the original question posed.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and educators in physics, as well as individuals curious about the fundamental concepts of forces and their classifications.

phymatter
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What is a tension force ? Where does it originate from ?
 
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Hi there,

It originates in your brain. The tension after a hard day can get quite painful. I sometimes have some tension in my shoulders and back. What about you? I am kidding.

I believe you mean the tension in a corde. I might not get your question completely, but it originates from a pulling force on the corde. A tension is developed when two bodies tied to each are pulled apart.

Cheers
 


Tension(in a rope or string most probably) is an electromagnetic force........!
Now u know how electromagnetic forces generate...
 


Tension(in a rope or string most probably) is an electromagnetic force
can you expand a bit ! or else give me some link on the net to refer to , i was unable to find something on the origin of tension on the net :( .
 


phymatter said:
can you expand a bit ! or else give me some link on the net to refer to , i was unable to find something on the origin of tension on the net :( .
I read it in my high school physics bible : Concepts of physics by HC Verma
but i can't find too much on net based on it's origin...
 


Tension/tensile is the label given to the force that wants to pull things apart, or stretch them. It is the 'pulling' force.

Regarding the responce above, the electromagnetic force is NOT tension. The intermolecular force is what stops all the molecules flying apart when you apply tension.

The question where does it originate from doesn't acutally make sense in this context. Could you clarify what you mean by this?
In the most basic sense, a force is the phenomenon that occurs when one body acts on another.
 
Last edited:

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