Forms and functions

Form and Function Study Guide

Key Concepts:

1. Structures and Their Purposes:

   • A structure is anything made of parts that serves a purpose.

   • Form refers to how a structure is shaped and built.

   • Function refers to what purpose a structure serves.

2. Types of Structures:

   • Natural structures: Made by nature (e.g., anthills, trees).

   • Human-made structures: Built by people (e.g., bridges, buildings).

3. Forces Acting on Structures:

   • External forces: Forces acting on an object from the outside (e.g., gravity, friction, applied force).

   • Internal forces: Forces within an object (e.g., tension, compression, torsion, shear).

4. Types of Forces:

   • Tension: Pulling force (e.g., a stretched rubber band).

   • Compression: Pushing force (e.g., pressing a spring).

   • Torsion: Twisting force (e.g., wringing out a towel).

   • Shear: Forces pushing in opposite directions (e.g., scissors cutting paper).

5. Contact and Non-Contact Forces:

   • Contact forces require physical touch (e.g., friction, pushing a door).

   • Non-contact forces act at a distance (e.g., gravity, magnetism).

6. Loads on Structures:

   • Live load: Changing weight (e.g., people walking on a bridge).

   • Dead load: Permanent weight (e.g., the bridge itself).

   • Dynamic load: Forces from movement (e.g., wind on a building).

7. Structural Components:

   • Beam: Horizontal support.

   • Column: Vertical support.

   • Arch: Curved structure that distributes weight.

   • Dome: Spherical roof-like structure.

   • Truss: Framework of triangles for support.

   • Cantilever: A beam fixed at one end.

   • Corrugation: Folded or wavy material for strength.

   • Rebar: Steel rods for reinforcing concrete.

   • I-Beam: Shaped like an "I" for strong support.

8. Center of Gravity:

   • The point where mass is balanced in all directions.

9. Eco-Friendly Building Materials:

   • Bamboo, recycled steel, reclaimed wood, straw bales.

10. Universal Design Principles:

• Equal for all users: Accessible ramps for wheelchairs.

• Flexible: Adjustable-height desks.

• Simple to use: Clear signage and instructions.

• Informative: Braille labels, auditory announcements.

• Safe: Non-slip flooring, emergency exits.

• Tolerant of errors: Automatic doors.

• Ergonomic: Comfortable seating areas.

Study Tips:

• Review key vocabulary words.

• Practice matching forces and structural components.

• Think of real-life examples for each concept.

• Try drawing different structures and labeling parts.

• Discuss with a friend or family member how structures around you demonstrate these concepts.

Practice Questions:

1. Define the terms "form" and "function" in relation to structures.

2. Name two natural and two human-made structures. Explain their form and function.

3. What are the four main types of internal forces? Provide an example of each.

4. How does a cantilever structure remain stable without support on one side?

5. Explain the difference between contact and non-contact forces, giving two examples of each.

6. What is a live load? Give an example from a bridge.

7. Describe how the center of gravity affects the stability of a structure.

8. Name three eco-friendly building materials and explain why they are considered sustainable.

9. What are two key principles of universal design? Give an example of how they can be applied.