What Is Tension?
Tension is described as the pulling force transmitted axially by the means of a string, a cable, chain or similar one-dimensional continuous object or by each end of a rod, truss member or similar three-dimensional object; tension might also be described as action-reaction pair of forces acting at each end of said elements.
What You Need To Know About Tension
- Tension is the force that tries to elongate a body or an object.
- If a body is in tension, the overall forces are pulling away from the object.
- Tension can be related to pulling on the ends of a rod.
- Tension is a force promulgation method.
- Tension is only applicable in solid strings.
- The direction of force in tension is outward from the object.
- Tension is considered as a force.
- Examples of tension are ropes, the cable of crane, nails, threads etc.
Compression
Compression force occurs when a physical force presses inward on an object, causing it to become compacted. In this process, the relative positions of atoms and molecules of the object change. This change can be temporary or permanent depending on the type of material receiving the compressive force. There can also be different result depending on the direction or position on the object that the compressive force is applied.
What You Need To Know About Compression
- Compression is the force that tries to shorten the body or an object.
- If a body is in compression, the forces acting upon it are directed towards the body.
- Compression can be associated with pushing on the ends of a road toward the middle.
- Compression can be used to the transference of force in the hydraulic system as pressure.
- Compression is applicable to any material.
- In compression, the direction of force acting on the object is always inward to the object.
- Compression is considered as a phenomenon.
- An example of compression is concrete pillars.
Difference Between Tension And Compression In Tabular Form
| BASIS OF COMPARISON | TENSION | COMPRESSION |
| Description | Tension is the force that tries to elongate a body or an object. | Compression is the force that tries to shorten the body or an object. |
| Effect Of Force | If a body is in tension, the overall forces are pulling away from the object. | If a body is in compression, the forces acting upon it are directed towards the body. |
| Relation | Tension can be related to pulling on the ends of a rod. | Compression can be associated with pushing on the ends of a road toward the middle. |
| Nature | Tension is a force promulgation method. | Compression can be used to the transference of force in the hydraulic system as pressure. |
| Applicability | Tension is only applicable in solid strings. | Compression is applicable to any material. |
| Direction Of Applied Force | The direction of force in tension is outward from the object. | In compression, the direction of force acting on the object is always inward to the object. |
| Consideration | Tension is considered as a force. | Compression is considered as a phenomenon. |
| Example | Examples of tension are ropes, the cable of crane, nails, threads etc. | An example of compression is concrete pillars. |