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Structures and Forces Unit Study Guide

1. Explain and give examples of the three basic structural forms [pg. 266-267]

2. Briefly explain what is meant by the functions of a structure, and why function is such an important part of
effective design. [pg. 269-272]

3. What is aesthetics? List two structures that you would consider beautiful. [pg. 274]

4. The effect of a force on a structure depends on three factors. What are they? [pg. 281-282]

5. What is a Newton? Approximately how much mass is 1N? [pg. 284]

6. How does an objects centre of gravity affects its stability? [pg. 286]

7. What are two ways you could make a structure more balanced? [pg. 286]

8. What is mass? [pg. 285]

9. What is the difference between a static load and a dynamic load? [pg. 288-289]

10. List and explain the three types of internal forces. Draw a diagram for each type of internal force. [pg. 297]

11. What are complimentary forces? Give an example. [pg. 298]

12. Why might you use triangles to build instead of square shapes? [pg. 301]

13. Draw a beam bridge supported on both ends and label where the tension and compression would be. How
does this change with a cantilever (a beam supported at only one end)? [pg. 302-303]

14. What is an arch? Why are they used so often in building? [pg. 302]

15. What is the difference between structural stress, fatigue, and failure? Give examples of each. [pg. 303]

16. What is a fixed joint? What is a mobile joint? Give an example of each in both natural and manufactured
(human-made) structures. [pg. 314-315]

17. What are performance standards, and why are they important? [pg. 294]

18. What does margin of safety mean? Give an example of how we could test and monitor the margin of
safety of a structure. [pg. 325-326].

19. What are three environmental factors we have to keep in mind when building a structure? [pg. 326-327]

20. Explain four ways to strengthen existing materials. [pg. 330-332]