Understanding the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse

The video discusses the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940, debunking the common misconception that it was caused by resonance with the wind. Instead, the video explains that the collapse was due to aeroelastic flutter, a phenomenon where wind causes structures to twist and vibrate destructively. This concept is further illustrated with examples like airplane wings and a swingset in Argentina. The video clarifies that aeroelastic flutter is not limited to bridges and can affect other structures, but modern engineering has largely mitigated these risks.

What is a common misconception about the cause of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse?

• It was struck by lightning.

• It was due to poor construction materials.

• It was caused by resonance with the wind.

• It was due to an earthquake.

Which of the following best describes resonance?

• A vibration caused by random wind patterns.

• A vibration driven by a source oscillating at a similar frequency.

• A vibration that occurs only in musical instruments.

• A vibration caused by a constant force.

Why was resonance not the cause of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse?

• The bridge was not exposed to any wind.

• The windspeed was constant and not oscillating.

• The bridge was too strong for resonance to occur.

• The resonance frequency was too high.

What is vortex shedding?

• A method of building bridges to withstand wind.

• A phenomenon where objects vibrate due to sound waves.

• A type of resonance specific to bridges.

• A process where vortices form and detach from an object.

What phenomenon actually caused the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to collapse?

• Resonance

• Seismic activity

• Aeroelastic flutter

• Vortex shedding

How does aeroelastic flutter occur?

• When an object is exposed to varying temperatures.

• When an object is struck by a high-frequency sound wave.

• When wind causes an object to twist and gravity pulls it back too far.

• When an object is submerged in water.

Which of the following is NOT an example of aeroelastic flutter?

• A bridge twisting violently in the wind.

• An airplane wing vibrating intensely.

• A strip of paper fluttering when blown on.

• A guitar string vibrating when plucked.

When was the last time aeroelastic flutter caused a commercial airplane to disintegrate?

• In the 1950s

• In the 1940s

• In the early 1960s

• In the 1970s

What is the humorous explanation given for the haunted swingset in Firmat, Argentina?

• It is affected by aeroelastic flutter.

• It is haunted by ghosts.

• It is controlled by remote technology.

• It is moved by underground vibrations.