2007-10-04 03:08:13 · 9 answers · asked by Kim Harold A 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Resonance.
If they march in step they will produce rhythmic oscillations matching the natural frequency of the bridge. The bridge oscillates always at these natural to the structure frequencies. The marching in step however adds energy and increases the amplitude that may lead to the bridge failure. A swing is a good example of this phenomenon.
2007-10-04 03:10:32 · answer #1 · answered by Edward 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is commonly believed - erroneously - that the vibrations set up by men marching in step will collapse the bridge. There was an episode of "Mythbusters" on the History Channel that conclusively proved the belief to be wrong. It's "Busted!" You can go online, find the "Mythbusters" archive and view the segment for yourself.
2007-10-04 03:13:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the sympatheric vibrations of the same step could cause the bridge to collapse. Personally I remain highly sceptical that this could happen, but somewhere in time this got started and continues to this day.
2007-10-04 03:12:49 · answer #3 · answered by smf_hi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So that the bridge doesn't collapse from the vibrations of their marching. I saw this one on Mythbusters!
2007-10-04 03:15:43 · answer #4 · answered by rachel b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it used to be thought that the vibrations could cause the bridge to collapse. However this has proven to be false by Mythbusters.
2007-10-04 03:12:38 · answer #5 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the bridge can't handle the force their march generates called resonance. Physics.
2007-10-04 03:11:57 · answer #6 · answered by osisdorsey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I forget the story behind it, but it could collapse the bridge because of the stress of the vibrations.
ETA: There we go...
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/175566
2007-10-04 03:13:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
tradition
2007-10-04 03:10:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know. Why?
2007-10-04 03:10:30 · answer #9 · answered by judyarb1945 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋