Consider a truss designed to support some maximum weight W on a frictionless, horizontal surface. The truss has three straight members joined as in the letter "A," and all members of the truss are weightless. W is placed at the apex of the truss. A single modification that would permit stable support of a weight heavier than W would include any of the following except
A) decreasing the angle between the two legs.
B) strengthening the horizontal cross member.
C) introducing friction at the (bottom) surface of contact with the truss legs.
D) none of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decreasing the angle between the legs, strengthening the horizontal cross member, and introducing friction at the surface of contact all contribute to the stability and capacity of the truss to support a heavier weight. None of the options listed would fail to permit stable support of a weight heavier than W.

Consider a Truss Designed to Support Some Maximum Weight W