Tension and compression are forces that act on a material or structure.
Tension is a pulling force that stretches a material or structure and makes it longer. For example, when you pull on a rubber band, it stretches and becomes longer.
Compression is a pushing force that squeezes a material or structure and makes it shorter. For example, when you push on a spring, it compresses and becomes shorter.
In both cases, the material or structure experiences a change from its original shape. However, the direction of the force is different and therefore the resulting change in shape is also different.
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