wikiHow Tension Calculator In physics, tension is the force that is transmitted through a string, rope, cable, or wire when it is pulled taut by forces acting on opposite ends. To calculate tension, you can use the following formula: Tension (T) = F1 + F2 where F1 and F2 are the forces acting on opposite ends of the string, rope, cable, or wire. Here are some examples of how to calculate tension in different scenarios: 1. A block is suspended by a rope that is attached to the ceiling. The weight of the block is 10 N. What is the tension in the rope? To calculate tension in this scenario, we need to consider two forces acting on the block: the weight of the block (downward force) and the tension in the rope (upward force). Since the block is not accelerating, these forces must be balanced. Therefore, the tension in the rope is equal to the weight of the block: Tension (T) = Weight of the block = 10 N So the tension in the rope is 10 N. 2. A block is pulled across a frictionless surface by a force of 20 N. The block has a mass of 2 kg. What is the tension in the string attached to the block? In this scenario, we need to consider the force of the applied force (20 N) and the weight of the block (downward force). Since the block is not accelerating, the forces must be balanced. Therefore, the tension in the string is equal to the applied force: Tension (T) = Applied force = 20 N So the tension in the string is 20 N. 3. Two people are pulling on opposite ends of a rope. Person A is pulling with a force of 50 N, and person B is pulling with a force of 30 N. What is the tension in the rope? In this scenario, we need to add the forces of person A and person B to find the tension in the rope: Tension (T) = F1 + F2 = 50 N + 30 N = 80 N So the tension in the rope is 80 N. Remember, tension is a force and is measured in newtons (N). To calculate tension, you need to consider all the forces acting on an object and use the formula Tension = F1 + F2 Page