Structures: Spanning Space & Structural Failure is one of 9 topics in the Grade 8 Technology CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. What does it mean for a structure to "span over space"?
To reach across a gap without any support directly underneath the middle
To be built entirely underground
To use only one single structural member
To be shorter than 1 metre in length
Answer: To reach across a gap without any support directly underneath the middle — Spanning over space means reaching across a gap, such as a river or valley, without any support directly underneath the middle.
Easy
2. What is a beam?
A straight structural member that spans horizontally between two supports, carrying a load along its length
A curved structure that only appears in dam walls
A member supported at only one end, like a diving board
A type of gear used in bridges
Answer: A straight structural member that spans horizontally between two supports, carrying a load along its length — A beam is a straight structural member that spans horizontally between two supports, carrying a load along its length.
Medium
3. Give ONE word for a structural member that sticks out and is supported at only ONE end, like a diving board.
Answer: cantilever — A cantilever is a structural member that sticks out and is supported at only one end, like a diving board.
