Understanding Internal and External Forces

The video tutorial explores forces acting on structures, distinguishing between external and internal forces. External forces include gravity, wind, and precipitation, while internal forces are compression, tension, torsion, and shear. The tutorial explains how these forces interact with structures and the importance of designing structures to withstand them. Examples like bridges and rubber bands illustrate these concepts. The video concludes with design considerations and a prompt for a quiz.

What is an example of an external force acting on a structure?

• Compression

• Tension

• Wind

• Shear

How does gravity affect an object as it moves higher from the Earth's surface?

• Gravity remains constant

• Gravity increases

• Gravity decreases

• Gravity fluctuates

Which internal force is responsible for pulling objects closer together?

• Torsion

• Tension

• Compression

• Shear

What happens to a rubber band when tension is applied?

• It remains unchanged

• It twists

• It elongates

• It compresses

Which force is described as a squeezing force that can cause twisting?

• Compression

• Tension

• Torsion

• Shear

What is the role of internal forces in a structure?

• To reduce material cost

• To increase weight

• To prevent structural failure

• To enhance external forces

Which natural force is NOT typically considered in structural design?

• Earthquake

• Hurricane

• Volcanic eruption

• Magnetic field

What is a key strategy to ensure a structure can carry loads properly?

• Reducing the size of the structure

• Ensuring equal load distribution

• Use of lightweight materials

• Increasing the height of the structure

Which of the following is an internal force that pushes in opposite directions?

• Tension

• Compression

• Shear

• Torsion

What is the importance of using the right materials in structural design?

• To minimize aesthetic appeal

• To ensure structural stability

• To reduce construction time

• To increase the cost