Tension and Compression
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/3/3/14336740/6990758.png)
Tension and compression are physics concepts that are essential to understand whenever constructing a structure.
Tension: Tension is the force that that pulls in two opposite directions. When tension is involved, the object gets longer and thinner. When tension is on an object, it basically is getting stretched. An example would be taffy- as you pull the taffy apart, the tension you apply causes it to become skinny and longer.
Compression: Compression is the force that pushes an object inwards. When compression is involved, the object will get smaller and wider. When you think of comPRESSion, think about pressing or squeezing an object. When garbage compactors apply compression to trash, the trash gets smaller and wider and forms a cube.
Tension: Tension is the force that that pulls in two opposite directions. When tension is involved, the object gets longer and thinner. When tension is on an object, it basically is getting stretched. An example would be taffy- as you pull the taffy apart, the tension you apply causes it to become skinny and longer.
Compression: Compression is the force that pushes an object inwards. When compression is involved, the object will get smaller and wider. When you think of comPRESSion, think about pressing or squeezing an object. When garbage compactors apply compression to trash, the trash gets smaller and wider and forms a cube.
Above: This image shows how tension and compression affect a table when weight is added. The tension pulls apart the table and the compression presses it in.
Above: It is shown how compression presses inward and how tension stretches outward in this table.