Why Do Pylons Collapse in Extreme Temperatures?

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AI Thread Summary
Extreme temperatures can lead to the collapse of electricity supply pylons due to factors like ice accumulation on cables, which increases pressure and can destabilize the structure. The equation p=F/A illustrates how force from the ice can affect the pylons. The discussion raises questions about the materials used in pylons, commonly steel, and whether their elasticity changes with temperature. Understanding these material properties is crucial for explaining the failure mechanisms. Overall, the interplay between temperature, material properties, and external forces is key to understanding pylon stability.
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Homework Statement


Extreme temperatures have been known to cause some electricity supply pylons to collapse. Using your knowledge of physics, comment on why this happens.
(This question is an 'open-ended' question and is worth three marks. One must explain the possible possible reason(s) for what is described in the question)
(SQA National 5 Physics Specimen Paper)

Homework Equations


Assuming that 'extreme temperatures' means extremely cold temperatures, p=F/A could be used to show that a build up of ice on the cables connecting the pylons would put pressure on the cables and potentially pull a pylon down.

The Attempt at a Solution


Explaining why p=F/A could be used gives me one mark, but after that, I'm stumped.
 
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What material are these pylons made of ?
 
It doesn't say anything about material, although in my country, they tend to be steel.
 
Is the elasticity of steel dependent on the temperature ?
 
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