Identify the object or system being analyzed
Draw a free-body diagram
List all forces acting on the object
Choose a coordinate system
Apply Newton’s second law: sum of forces = mass × acceleration
Solve the force equation for tension
For an object hanging at rest: tension = weight = mass × gravity
For an object accelerating upward: tension = mass × (gravity + acceleration)
For an object accelerating downward: tension = mass × (gravity – acceleration)
For a mass on a string in circular motion: tension = mass × velocity² / radius, adjusted for gravity if applicable
For two connected masses: write separate force equations for each mass and solve simultaneously
Check units to ensure the result is in newtons
Verify the result against the physical situation