Forces
What is a force?
A push or a pull on an object.
What is a load?
A weight or pressure on a structure.
Which bridge is made with a simple horizontal beam?
Beam Bridge
What force pulls everything toward the Earth?
Gravity
True or False: A tree is a structure.
True
What kind of force acts within a structure?
An internal force.
What kind of load does not move or change?
Static load
Which bridge uses triangles for extra support?
Truss Bridge
Name one external force from nature.
Wind, water, earthquakes, etc.
Name one structure that animals build.
Bird nest, beehive, spider web, etc.
What internal force squeezes objects together?
Compression
What kind of load changes with movement, like wind or traffic?
Dynamic Load
Which bridge has a curved or rounded shape?
Arch Bridge
True or False: Wind is an internal force.
False
Why are homes sometimes built on stilts?
To protect them from flooding.
What are the four kinds of internal forces?
Compression, Tension, Torsion, Shear
Is a book sitting on a shelf a static or dynamic load?
Static
What holds up a suspension bridge?
Cables attached to tall towers.
Why are buildings in earthquake zones built to be ductile?
So they can bend or move without breaking.
True or False: Structures only need to be strong—they don’t need to be stable.
False – they need both strength and stability.
What is the difference between contact and non-contact forces?
Contact forces happen when objects touch; non-contact forces happen without touching.
What might happen if a structure is not built to handle its loads?
It could fail or collapse.
Why are triangles strong shapes in bridge design?
They distribute force evenly and don’t bend easily.
What materials are best for resisting strong winds?
Concrete and metal (not wood).
What kind of force would protective equipment, like a helmet, protect your from?
Contact forces like a hit, fall, or a collision.