Beams are important parts of buildings and bridges. They help support weight and keep everything steady. Let’s break down how beams work and why they’re so important.

What Do Beams Do?

1. Spread Out Weight:

   • Beams carry the weight from above and pass it down to other parts of the structure. This spreading out of weight stops any one spot from getting too heavy.

2. Bending When Under Pressure:

   • When weight is added to a beam, it starts to bend. The top part gets pushed together (this is called compression), while the bottom part gets pulled apart (this is called tension). This bending is important to keep the beam working and not breaking.

3. Different Types of Weight:

   • Beams can hold different types of weight. Some are permanent (like the weight of the building itself), and others are temporary (like people or furniture). Beams must be designed to handle both kinds of weight.

4. How Beams Are Supported:

   • Beams can be supported in different ways. Some are simply supported, which means they can move a bit at the ends. Others are fixed in place, making them more stable.

You can find beams everywhere! They’re in bridges, buildings, and even in the furniture we use. Learning about beams helps us understand the amazing structures we see every day!