1. What is Tension in a Wire?

Definition: Tension is the force conducted along the length of a wire or cable when it's subjected to pulling forces.

Purpose: This calculator helps determine the actual tension in a wire when a force is applied at an angle.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( T \) — Tension in the wire (Newtons)
• \( F \) — Applied force (Newtons)
• \( \theta \) — Angle between the wire and the direction of force (degrees)

Explanation: The applied force is divided by the cosine of the angle to calculate the tension in the wire.

3. Importance of Tension Calculation

Details: Proper tension calculation ensures wire/cable safety, prevents overloading, and helps in structural design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the applied force in Newtons and the angle in degrees (0-90). The angle is measured between the wire and the direction of force.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens when θ = 0°?
A: When the force is perfectly aligned with the wire (θ=0°), cos(0°)=1, so tension equals the applied force.

Q2: What happens as θ approaches 90°?
A: As θ→90°, cos(θ)→0, making tension approach infinity. This shows why lateral forces on wires are problematic.

Q3: Does this account for wire weight?
A: No, this calculates tension from external forces only. For wire weight, additional calculations are needed.

Q4: What units should I use?
A: Force in Newtons (N) and angle in degrees. 1 kg-force ≈ 9.81 N.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides theoretical tension. Real-world factors like friction, elasticity, and attachments affect actual tension.