Question

If two ends of a rope in equilibrium are pulled with forces in equal magnitude and opposite direction why is the total tension not equal to zero.

Answer 1

Tension force is the force that rope exerts on object attached. it is not the net force acting on the rope. net force is the sum of the forces acting on the rope. here we have two forces of equal magnitude acting in opposite direction. hence the net force is zero. but net force does not define the tension force. hence the tension force is not zero.