Tension Examples in Physics

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Tension.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Physics.

Concept Recap

The pulling force transmitted through a rope, string, or cable when it is pulled taut at both ends.

The 'tightness' you feel in a rope when both ends are being pulled in opposite directions.

Read the full concept explanation →

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: Tension pulls both connected objects toward each other along the rope's length.

Common stuck point: In an ideal (massless) rope, tension is the same at every point along its length.

Sense of Study hint: When solving a tension problem, first isolate the object connected to the rope and draw a free-body diagram. Then apply Newton's second law along the direction of the rope. Finally, if the rope is massless and there is no friction on a pulley, tension is the same throughout the rope.

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
A 3 \text{ kg} lamp hangs from a single vertical rope. What is the tension in the rope? Use g = 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2.

Solution

  1. 1
    The lamp is in static equilibrium, so the net force is zero.
  2. 2
    The tension must balance the weight: T = mg = 3 \times 9.8 = 29.4 \text{ N}
  3. 3
    The tension acts along the rope, pulling the lamp upward.

Answer

T = 29.4 \text{ N}
Tension is the pulling force transmitted through a rope, string, or cable. For a single vertical rope supporting a stationary object, the tension equals the object's weight.

Example 2

medium
A 5 \text{ kg} block is pulled upward by a rope with an acceleration of 3 \text{ m/s}^2. What is the tension in the rope? Use g = 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2.

Example 3

medium
A 5 kg mass hangs from a rope. Find the tension in the rope. (Use g = 9.8 m/s\u00b2)

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

medium
Two blocks (3 \text{ kg} and 5 \text{ kg}) are connected by a rope on a frictionless table. A 24 \text{ N} force pulls the 5 \text{ kg} block. What is the tension in the connecting rope?

Example 2

hard
A 4 \text{ kg} mass hangs from a rope over a frictionless pulley, connected to a 6 \text{ kg} mass on the other side. What is the tension in the rope and the acceleration of the system? Use g = 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2.
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Related Concepts

ForceEquilibrium

Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

force