Which force opposes the stretching of an object?

Which force opposes the stretching of an object?

• A. Tension force
• B. Normal force
• C. Frictional force
• D. Gravitational force

Answer: (A)

The tension force is the correct response because it is specifically the force that arises in a material when it is stretched. When an object, such as a rope or string, is pulled, it experiences tension that acts along its length, working to restore it to its original shape. This means that the tension force counters the applied force trying to stretch the object, thereby opposing that stretching effect. In contrast, the normal force acts perpendicular to surfaces in contact and does not directly oppose stretching. The frictional force, on the other hand, resists motion between two surfaces and is not related to the stretching of objects. Lastly, gravitational force pulls objects downward toward the center of the Earth and does not address the concept of stretching at all. Therefore, tension is the specific force that counters stretching in an elastic material.

The tension force is the correct response because it is specifically the force that arises in a material when it is stretched. When an object, such as a rope or string, is pulled, it experiences tension that acts along its length, working to restore it to its original shape. This means that the tension force counters the applied force trying to stretch the object, thereby opposing that stretching effect.

In contrast, the normal force acts perpendicular to surfaces in contact and does not directly oppose stretching. The frictional force, on the other hand, resists motion between two surfaces and is not related to the stretching of objects. Lastly, gravitational force pulls objects downward toward the center of the Earth and does not address the concept of stretching at all. Therefore, tension is the specific force that counters stretching in an elastic material.