If you're designing an object or building something, you need to think about how it will be used to decide what materials to use and how to put it together. In physics, we talk about load – which are the forces that affect a structure. In this film, you'll learn more about the three main types of loads. First, there's compressive load - which acts through compressive force, like the weight of a house on its foundation. The second is tensile load - which acts through tensile force, like when a locomotive pulls a train coach. Finally, the film explains bending load, which acts through a combination of compressive and tensile forces, like when a flagpole bends in the wind. By considering these forces when building something, you have a better chance of creating a construction that is both safe and durable.