Final answer:
Floor joists are chosen mainly for their strength and stiffness, which determines their ability to support and distribute the weight of a structure. Physics aids in calculating these properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Floor joists, an integral component of flooring in construction, are primarily selected based on their strength and stiffness. This is because the primary role of a floor joist is to support the weight of the structure above, which can include furniture and occupants. Therefore, their strength and stiffness determine their ability to carry and distribute these loads without failure or excessive deformation.
Physics plays a crucial role in calculating these values, considering several factors such as the length of the joist, the type of material used, the spacing between joists, and the expected loads. Although resistance to moisture and appearance can be additional factors considered in some cases, they are not the principal criteria.
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