What is tension force?

Tension force is defined as the force that is transmitted through a string, rope, cable, or any type of flexible connector when it is pulled tight by forces acting at either end. This force is directed along the length of the string or cable and it acts inward on the ends of the material. When an object is attached to such a connector and is subjected to pulling forces, the tension force becomes significant in determining the motion and equilibrium of that object.

In scenarios like pulling an object with a rope, tension is crucial for keeping the system in balance and is responsible for the acceleration or movement of the object being pulled. It is important to note that tension can only exist in a medium that can transmit this force, and it is always a pulling force rather than a pushing one, as compression forces would cause the rope or string to slack rather than remain taut. Thus, choice C accurately captures the essence of what tension force represents in physics.