Chapter 9, Problem 45R

To determine

The explanation to why soldiers marching over the Broughton Suspension Bridge in England caused the bridge to collapse.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The marching of soldiers over the Broughton Suspension Bridge in England caused the bridge to collapse because of the power of resonance.

Marching of soldiers on the bridge resonate the frequency of vibration of the bridge. It enhances the frequency of vibration of the bridge and as a result of this the bridge collapsed. That is why soldiers are not allowed to march on any bridge. An opera singer can break the win glass with the power of resonance.

Conclusion:

The power of resonance can weaken the structural integrity of any solid and in some rare cases, even break it.