What type of bridge utilizes tension forces and is known as the world's longest type?

The type of bridge that utilizes tension forces and holds the title for the world's longest type is the suspension bridge. This design relies on large cables suspended between tall towers, with the bridge deck hanging from these cables. The tension in the main cables supports not only the weight of the bridge itself but also live loads (like vehicles and pedestrians), while vertical hangers transfer these loads to the cables.

Suspension bridges are particularly well-suited for spanning long distances due to their ability to effectively distribute loads across the structure and minimize the amount of material needed for construction. Famous examples include the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge, which both exemplify the use of this design in providing large spans over water or deep ravines.

Other bridge types such as truss, arch, and cable-stayed bridges have their own distinct characteristics and effective load-bearing mechanisms. However, none can match the suspension bridge in terms of span length, making it the preferred choice for very long distances across challenging terrain.