tension

(noun)

Force transmitted through a rope, string, cable, or similar object (used with prepositions on, in, or of to convey that the same magnitude of force applies to objects attached to both ends).

Related Terms

Examples of tension in the following topics:

  • Surface Tension

    • Surface tension is responsible for the shape of a liquid droplet.
    • Different liquids and solutions have different surface tensions.
    • The surface tensions of a few common liquids and solutions are as follows, in dyne/cm (note the particularly high surface tension of water):
    • Water striders can "walk" on water as a result surface tension.
    • Note that the forces from the surface tension are symmetrical.

  • Capillary Action

    • These cohesive forces are especially strong at the surface of a liquid, resulting in the phenomenon of surface tension.
    • If the diameter of the tube is sufficiently small, then the combination of surface tension (which is caused by cohesion within the liquid) and adhesive forces between the liquid and container act together to lift the liquid.
    • where T is the surface tension, $\rho$ is the density of liquid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and r is radius of the tube.
    • The meniscus is the curve caused by surface tension in the upper surface of a liquid.
    • The curvature of the surface at the top of a column of fluid in a narrow tube is caused by the relative strength of the forces responsible for the surface tension of the fluid (cohesive forces) and the adhesive forces to the walls of the container.

  • Hydrogen Bonding

    • Hydrogen bonding in water contributes to its unique properties, including its high boiling point (100 °C) and surface tension.
    • The hydrogen bonds formed between water molecules in water droplets are stronger than the other intermolecular forces between the water molecules and the leaf, contributing to high surface tension and distinct water droplets.

  • Supercritical Fluids

    • In addition, there is no surface tension in a supercritical fluid, as there is no liquid to gas phase boundary.

  • Properties of Quartz and Glass

    • The molecules can follow surface tension, which imposes a microscopically smooth surface.

  • Soaps & Detergents

    • The use of such compounds as cleaning agents is facilitated by their surfactant character, which lowers the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate and wet a variety of materials.

  • Dipole-Dipole Force

    • These dipole-dipole attractions give water many of its properties, including its high surface tension.