BIll Nye Structures

_____ refers to pulling forces.

• compression

• tension

• gravity

_____ refers to pushing forces.

• compression

• tension

• gravity

The _____ of a structure depends on its shape and what it's made of.

• shape

• function

• strength

The _____ of structures depend on what they do.

• shape

• function

• strength

Tree trunks are thicker at the bottom because they are holding up the weight of the branches and leaves. They are in _____.

• tension

• gravity

• compression

Elephant legs are big, stocky and in compression because...

• they are in tension.

• they are like telephone wires.

• they hold up a lot of weight.

Telephone wires and ropes are in tension because they are

• being pulled upon.

• being pushed upon.

• just there.

Buildings need to be built to be ________ to have a better chance to hold up in case of strong winds or earthquakes.

• rigid

• flexible

• both rigid and flexible.

A dome holds itself up the same way that a _____ does. An egg is like a dome.

• cross

• ladder

• arch

When you are building your book tower, the legs of your table will be in ______ as they touch both the table top and the floor.

• tension.

• gravity.

• compression.