Question:
As shown in the figure, a simple bridge is made of five thin rods rigidly connected at four vertices. The ground is frictionless, so that it can only exert vertical normal forces at B and D. The weight of the bridge is negligible, but a person stands at its middle, exerting a downward force F at vertex C. In static equilibrium, each rod can be experiencing either tension or compression. Which of the following is true?
(A) Only the vertical rod is in tension.
(B) Only the horizontal rods are in tension.
(C) Both the vertical rod and the diagonal rods are in tension.
(D) Both the vertical rod and the horizontal rods are in tension.
(E) All of the rods are in tension.
*Note: This problem references figure(s): `image_question/F=MA_2024_03_1.png`*