What is the difference between tension and a spring force?

Both tension and spring forces are FORCES. They only differ in name and what they refer to. Tension refers to ropes and string when pulled on both ends, while spring force refers to the force used to stretch or compress a spring. This is why answers B and C are correct. Tension in a rope can also be used to stretch a spring. This is why answer A is also a possibility. Lastly D is true because the Force of a spring = kx, while Tension doesn’t have a set equation. However since BOTH are forces they can be set equal to “ma,” according to Newton’s second law.