Tension - GCSE Physics Definition

In GCSE Physics, tension is a force that acts through a string, rope, or cable when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends. It is a pulling force that tries to make the object under tension stretch without breaking. When you tug on a piece of rope or lift a bucket with it, the tension is the force inside the rope helping to hold everything together and allows the rope to support the weight. Tension can also change if the forces acting on either end of the rope change, like when you pull harder or slacken your grip.