What is the name of the force that pulls on a material?

The force that pulls on a material is known as tension. Tension occurs when forces are applied to the ends of an object, causing it to stretch or elongate. This force is directed away from the material and is experienced in situations like hanging weights from a rope or pulling on a string.

In contrast, compression refers to a force that squeezes or pushes materials together, leading to shortening or buckling. Shear relates to forces that cause different parts of a material to slide past one another, often resulting in deformation at an angle. Flexion refers to the bending of a material while under load, which can involve both tensile and compressive stresses. Therefore, when specifically identifying the pulling force, tension is the accurate term.