Understanding Tension Forces

What is the primary role of a tension force in a rope?

• To increase the rope's mass

• To decrease the rope's length

• To resist stretching

• To compress the rope

How does a normal force differ from a tension force?

• Both resist compression

• Both resist stretching

• Normal force resists stretching, tension force resists compression

• Normal force resists compression, tension force resists stretching

In the example of a ball hanging from a rope, what is the tension force if the ball's mass is 10 kg?

• 98.1 newtons downward

• 9.81 newtons upward

• 98.1 newtons upward

• 9.81 newtons downward

What is the acceleration due to gravity used in the example problem?

• 9.81 meters per second squared downward

• 9.81 meters per second squared upward

• 10 meters per second squared upward

• 10 meters per second squared downward

Why must the tension force equal the gravitational force in the example problem?

• Because the ball is at rest

• Because the ball is accelerating

• Because the rope is moving

• Because the ball is falling