Final answer:
The concept is related to the maximum tension a string or chain can withstand before snapping, which is determined using equilibrium equations in physics. The shorter string in a system will snap when it holds twice the tension of the longer string, which occurs when enough mass is added to it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about a physics concept related to the tension in a chain or string.
The snap test on chain tension relates to the point at which a string or chain will break under a certain tension.
Using principles of physics, specifically the equilibrium equations for tension, it is deduced that the tension T₁ in the shorter 5.0-cm string is twice that of T₂ in the longer 10.0-cm string, leading to the conclusion that the shorter string will snap under added mass.
The relationship between the mass on the pan and the tension in the shorter string helps determine how much mass will cause the string to snap.
Moreover, when we consider a situation where a chain is used to pull a car, the tension in the chain can be very large if the angle of the force applied is small, which is described by the equation T = ÷ 2 sin(θ), where θ is the angle.