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Tension Force Formula:
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Tension force is the force transmitted through a string, rope, cable or wire when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends. It is a pulling force that acts along the length of the medium.
The calculator uses the tension force formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the total tension in a cable supporting a mass that is accelerating. The first term represents the weight force, while the second term represents the additional force needed for acceleration.
Details: Accurate tension force calculation is crucial for engineering applications, construction safety, mechanical systems design, and understanding physics principles in various mechanical setups.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, gravity acceleration (typically 9.8 m/s²), and additional acceleration in m/s². All values must be valid (mass > 0).
Q1: When is this tension formula applicable?
A: This formula applies when a cable is supporting a mass that is accelerating vertically upward. For downward acceleration, the formula would be T = m × g - m × a.
Q2: What if the acceleration is zero?
A: If there's no additional acceleration (a = 0), the tension equals the weight of the object: T = m × g.
Q3: How does tension change with different accelerations?
A: Tension increases with upward acceleration and decreases with downward acceleration. The greater the acceleration, the greater the change in tension.
Q4: Can this formula be used for horizontal motion?
A: For horizontal motion without vertical component, the tension formula would be different as gravity doesn't contribute to horizontal tension.
Q5: What are typical units for tension force?
A: Tension is typically measured in Newtons (N) in the SI system, or pounds-force (lbf) in the imperial system.