Classifying Structures
What kind of structure is strong because it's heavy and solid all the way through?
Solid structure
What is the name of the point where all the weight of an object is balanced?
Centre of gravity
You're standing on a trampoline and someone twice your size jumps next to you. You go flying. What word describes how strong that launch force was?
Magnitude
Which type of structure looks like a skeleton and is full of empty space?
frame
What kind of centre of gravity keeps structures from tipping over easily?
Low centre of gravity
What kind of structure is hollow, thin, and shaped to be strong—like an egg?
Shell structure
What happens if the centre of gravity moves outside the base of support?
The structure becomes unstable
Why do frame structures use beams and trusses instead of just solid mass?
To distribute forces evenly
How do engineers keep skyscrapers from falling over?
By designing wide, heavy bases
If a sports arena has a domed roof and a framed seating area, what kind of structure is it?
A combination of shell and frame
Why do athletes lean forward with a heavy backpack?
Because their centre of gravity shifts backward