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ehrenfest
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What is the name for the shape that the suspensions on a suspension bridge make? I think it is something like canary?
Suspension Bridges: What is the Shape Called?
- Context: High School
- Thread starter ehrenfest
- Start date
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- Tags
- Bridges Suspension
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the geometric shape formed by the suspensions on a suspension bridge, specifically the terminology used to describe it. Participants explore the differences between a catenary and a parabola in the context of suspension bridge cables.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant inquires about the name of the shape formed by suspension cables, suggesting it might be "canary."
- Another participant proposes that the term they are looking for is "catenary."
- A later reply mentions that deriving the geometry of the catenary is complex, noting that Newton struggled with this problem and that it required advanced mathematics from the near-18th century.
- Another participant asserts that while a suspension bridge cable forms a parabola, a hanging cable alone forms a catenary.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the shape of the suspension cables, with some asserting it is a parabola and others maintaining it is a catenary. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitive shape associated with suspension bridge cables.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights the complexity of the geometry involved and the historical context of mathematical understanding related to the shapes in question.
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