Mon Prof Augmenté
Spider silk and steel cables
Age 12 · Physics
A spider silk cable and a steel cable have the same thickness. The spider silk cable holds a full-size coach bus while stretching slightly, and the steel cable holds a much smaller delivery van.
This picture is part of the full library
Every lesson is open to everyone for 7 days after it is published. This one came out on September 20, 2026: its text stays readable here, and its picture opens with a subscription.
The app is free. A subscription opens every lesson, in every school year.
In the picture
- Pale spider silk cable, stretched slightly under the coach bus
- Grey steel cable of the same thickness, holding the delivery van
- Full-size coach bus hanging from the silk cable
- Small delivery van hanging from the steel cable
- Overhead beam where both cables are attached
Examples
- A spider web catches an insect without snapping.
- A seatbelt stretches a little to cushion a sudden stop.
Key takeaways
- For the same thickness, spider silk can hold more weight than steel.
- Spider silk also stretches, which helps it absorb force before breaking.
Quiz: Spider silk and steel cables (Age 12)
-
For two cables of the same thickness, which one can hold more weight?
-
What extra property helps spider silk absorb force before breaking?
-
If a steel cable has the same thickness as a spider silk cable, what does the card say it can carry?
The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.
Free app, optional subscription
App Store Google Play
Carry on in the app
At least one new illustrated lesson every weekday for your child’s year, with its quiz and a reminder at 6:15 pm.
Your child’s teacher does not use My Enhanced Teacher yet?
Tell them about it
