Tension Force

Mode

Mission: Predict rope tension

Choose one apparatus, adjust the load, and compare tension with weight and acceleration.

1Object

2Forces

3Balance

4Tension

Begin by isolating the hanging load.

Choose one apparatus

Run experiment

Controls

Load 1 mass20 kg

Load 2 mass25 kg

Left rope angle55°

Right rope angle55°

Elevator acceleration0.0 m/s²

Gravity9.80 m/s²

Simulation speed1.00×

Measurements

Tension 1196 N

Tension 2—

Weight 1196 N

Weight 2245 N

Acceleration0 m/s²

Force stateBalanced

At rest, the rope tension balances the load weight.

Inspect & track

Zoom1.00×

Tension versus support angle

Teacher tools

Show all force arrows Reveal tension rules

Embedded narration

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Accent selection applies to English. Urdu and Hindi use native speakers.

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Chapters

Learning objectives

Identify tension direction on an attached object.
Compare tension with weight during equilibrium and acceleration.
Resolve two angled tensions into components.
Analyze ideal pulleys and Atwood machines.

Key concepts

Tension pulls along a taut rope. An ideal continuous rope has uniform tension. Pulley direction, rope angle, load mass, and acceleration determine the measured value.

Suggested experiments

Reverse elevator acceleration and compare tension with weight.
Make two support ropes nearly horizontal.
Make Atwood masses equal, then increase one mass.
Change gravity while keeping mass constant.

Questions for exploration

Can tension be zero in a slack rope?
Why can a shallow support rope have enormous tension?
What stays equal on both sides of an ideal pulley?

Quiz

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