Tension Calculator
Calculate tension forces in ropes and strings for hanging and pulling scenarios
Calculate Tension Force
Mass of the object being suspended or pulled
Use 9.806 m/s² for Earth's gravity (default)
Tension Force Results
Formula used: T = W = mg
Scenario: Object hanging with 1 rope(s)
Force Analysis
Example Calculation
10 kg Box Hanging
Mass: 10 kg
Acceleration: 9.806 m/s² (gravity)
Weight: W = mg = 10 × 9.806 = 98.06 N
Single rope tension: T = W = 98.06 N
Two Ropes at 60°
For symmetric angles (60° each):
T = W / (2 × sin(60°))
T = 98.06 / (2 × 0.866) = 56.58 N
Each rope tension: 56.58 N
Newton's Laws in Tension
First Law
Object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by force
Second Law
ΣF = ma (sum of forces equals mass times acceleration)
Third Law
For every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction
Tension Tips
Tension is always a pulling force, never pushing
In static equilibrium, net force equals zero
Rope tension is uniform throughout (massless rope)
Consider components when ropes are at angles
Understanding Tension Force
What is Tension Force?
Tension force is an axial force that passes through objects like ropes, strings, or chains when they are pulled. It's the force that holds the rope together and transmits pulling forces from one end to another.
Key Characteristics
- •Always acts along the length of the rope or string
- •Is a contact force that requires physical connection
- •Follows Newton's Third Law (action-reaction pairs)
- •Magnitude depends on the forces being transmitted
Calculation Methods
Single Rope (Hanging)
T = W = mg
Tension equals the weight of the object
Two Ropes (Same Angle)
T = W / (2 × sin(θ))
Where θ is the angle from horizontal
Force Equilibrium
ΣF = 0
Sum of all forces equals zero in equilibrium