Three beams are 10 feet long each and all of the same size. One is made of wood, another of steel, and the third of concrete. If identical loads are applied to these three beams, which of the following will happen?
The steel beam will deflect less than the wood beam.
The wood beam will deflect less than the concrete beam.
The wood beam will deflect less than the steel beam.
The concrete beam will deflect more than the other two.
Detailed Explanation
The steel beam will deflect less than the wood beam. This is because steel has a higher flexural rigidity than wood. Flexural rigidity is a measure of a beam's resistance to bending. The higher the flexural rigidity, the less the beam will deflect.

Wood is a natural material that tends to have more flexibility and can undergo greater deflection under load. Steel, on the other hand, is a stronger and stiffer material, which means it will experience less deformation or deflection when subjected to the same load.

Concrete, being a rigid material with high compressive strength, will also exhibit minimal deflection compared to wood. However, steel is generally known for its superior strength and stiffness, making it more resistant to deflection compared to both wood and concrete under the same load.
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