A cantilever is like a special arm that sticks out from a building or structure. It's like a diving board at a swimming pool, but it can be much bigger!
How Does a Cantilever Work?
Imagine you're holding a ruler with one end resting on a table. The ruler is like a cantilever, and the table is like the support. If you push down on the other end of the ruler, it will bend. The ruler needs to be strong enough to hold the weight, or it will break.
Cantilever Examples:
- Diving Boards: The part of the diving board that extends over the water is a cantilever.
- Bridges: Some bridges use cantilevers to create long spans over rivers or valleys.
- Balconies: The part of a balcony that sticks out from a building is a cantilever.
- Sunshades: Some sunshades use cantilevers to extend over windows and provide shade.
Cantilevers are amazing because they can create beautiful and interesting structures. They are also very strong, which is why they are used in so many different places.
