When a load is pulled, what type of load is that called?

When a load is pulled, that type of load is referred to as tension. Tension occurs when a force is applied that stretches or elongates a material or object. This happens when an external force is exerted to pull on a body, resulting in the body's fibers being pulled apart. In engineering and physics, tension is critical in analyzing the behavior of structures, cables, or any material that undergoes stretching forces.

In contrast, other types of loads such as compression occur when forces push together, whereas transverse loads might refer to forces applied perpendicularly to the length of a material. Bilateral does not specifically refer to pulling or tension but rather can imply a two-sided or symmetrical aspect without connection to the nature of the load being applied. Understanding these definitions helps in correctly identifying how various forces affect materials in practical applications, particularly in pneumatic systems where accurate knowledge of load types is essential for safe design and operation.