Stability of Structures Quiz

What does it mean for a structure to be stable?

• It can float in water

• It can remain on its base undamaged when acted upon by an outside force

• It can be easily moved

• It changes shape easily

Where is the center of gravity in a stable structure located?

• At the top of the structure

• Outside the structure

• Where the mass of the structure is concentrated

• In the air above the structure

Which of the following is a way to improve the stability of an object?

• Narrow the base

• Raise the center of gravity

• Lighten the structure

• Widen the base

What happens if the center of gravity of an object falls within the base of the object?

• The object becomes unstable

• The object will topple over

• The object remains stable

• The object will float

What is a force in the context of physics?

• A) A push or pull on a structure

• B) A type of energy

• C) A chemical reaction

• D) A biological process

Which type of force is described as a force acting on the outside of a structure?

• A) Internal force

• B) External force

• C) Dynamic load

• D) Static load

What is an example of a dynamic load?

• A) Weight of a structure

• B) Wind

• C) A removable but expected load

• D) A permanent fixture

Which type of internal force is described as a squeezing or squishing force?

• A) Tension

• B) Shear

• C) Torsion

• D) Compression

What is an example of a force that involves tension?

• A) Opening a jar

• B) Tug of war

• C) Scissors cutting paper

• D) A chain underwater

Which type of force is involved when twisting an object?

• A) Shear

• B) Compression

• C) Torsion

• D) Tension