Question

A fixed partial denture with a single pontic is

deflected a certain amount, a span of two similar
pontics will deflect
A. the same amount.
B. twice as much.
C. four times as much.
D. eight times as much.

Answer 1

In engineering terms, when the span of a fixed partial denture increases from a single pontic to two pontics, the deflection typically increases, potentially to the square of the original deflection, according to principles of beam deflection and material elasticity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of the question is engineering, specifically concerning the deflection of fixed partial dentures, which can be related to materials science, a discipline within civil engineering or mechanical engineering. When a single pontic of a fixed partial denture is deflected, it undergoes a certain amount of deformation based on applied forces and material properties. When the span is increased to include two similar pontics, the deflection would not simply double, but instead, due to principles of beam deflection and elasticity, the deflection would be magnified to a greater extent. Although the precise answer is not provided in the given options, mechanics of materials principles would suggest that the deflection could potentially increase to the square of the original deflection when increasing the span length, assuming similar loading conditions and material behavior.