On November 7, 1940, 42 mph winds caused the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge to pitch so violently that it collapsed. This was the result of which physical phenomenon?

Question

Physics

Braydon Moss

18 February, 14:57

On November 7, 1940, 42 mph winds caused the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge to pitch so violently that it collapsed. This was the result of which physical phenomenon?

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Rubi Ayala · Answer 1

Resonance

Explanation:

Resonance

It's a natural phenomenon that occurs when a material's natural frequency is matched by any physics event that makes the material to show anomalous greater amplitudes in their oscillations. If the powering phenomena is long and strong enough, it could cause some disastrous outcomes, like of the cited Bridge of the question.

Back on November 7, 1940, 42 mph winds forced resonance and the bridge collapsed. They were considered as normal speed winds but they produced aeroelastic flutter that matched the bridge's natural frequency and destroyed the structure.