Forces
A force is a…
push or pull that can change motion or shape
A stable structure usually has a…
wide base and low center of gravity
Folding or shaping materials helps because it…
helps resist bending and distribute force
A skeleton-like structure is called a…
frame structure
Engineers test structures to…
find weaknesses and improve design
What usually happens when too much force is applied to a structure?
it may bend or break
The center of gravity is the point where…
weight is evenly balanced
Engineers improve structures mostly by…
changing shapes and designs
A hollow structure with a strong outer layer is a…
shell structure
Why do engineers use different materials?
to match strength and flexibility needs of the structure
A pushing force that squeezes a material is called:
compression
Why is a low center of gravity helpful?
it makes structures harder to tip over
How can a square frame be strengthened?
add diagonal supports to form triangles
A structure made of one solid piece is called…
solid structure
What happens when engineers test a structure?
hey observe how it handles forces
A pulling force that stretches a material is called:
tension
A tower becomes unstable when most of its weight is…
at the top
Why are triangles used in structures?
they do not change shape easily under force
An skeleton is an example of a…
frame structure
Why might a bridge use different shapes and materials than a tower?
to better distribute load and increase safety
Why is it important to spread force across a structure?
it reduces stress on one area and prevents failure
A tall structure keeps tipping even though it has a wide base. What is the MOST likely reason?
The center of gravity is too high
Why don't triangles change shape easily under force?
their angles stay fixed
Which structure type is usually the heaviest?
solid structure
What is the main goal of the engineering design process?
to test and improve structures for safety and performance