Span facts for kids

The word span can mean different things depending on how it's used. It often refers to a measurement or a distance, especially between two points or supports. You might hear it when talking about how wide an airplane's wings are, or the length of a bridge. It can also describe a period of time, like a "lifespan."

What Does 'Span' Mean?

The word "span" is used in many ways, but it usually involves a measurement or a range. Understanding these different meanings helps you know exactly what people are talking about. Let's explore some of the most common uses of "span."

Span as a Measurement

One common meaning of "span" is a way to measure length.

Hand Span

A hand span is an old unit of measurement. It's the distance from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your little finger when your hand is stretched out as wide as possible. This measurement was used a long time ago, before standard rulers and tape measures were common. It's not very precise because everyone's hand is a different size!

Wingspan

When we talk about airplanes or birds, wingspan is a very important measurement. It's the total distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing. For airplanes, a larger wingspan can affect how much lift the plane gets and how stable it is in the air. For birds, wingspan helps them fly and glide.

Span in Buildings and Bridges

"Span" is also a key term in engineering and architecture, especially when building structures that cross gaps.

Architectural Span

In architecture, the span refers to the distance between two supports. Imagine a doorway or an arch; the span is the width of that opening, from one side to the other. This concept is crucial for making sure buildings are strong and safe.

Bridge Span

For a bridge, the span is the distance between its main supporting structures, like piers or towers. A bridge can have several spans. The longest span is often a key feature of a bridge's design. Engineers work hard to design bridges with long spans that can safely carry weight across rivers, valleys, or other obstacles.

Powerline and Tramway Span

The idea of "span" also applies to other structures. For powerlines, a span is the distance between two utility poles or pylons that hold up the electrical wires. For aerial tramways (like cable cars), the span is the distance between the towers that support the cables carrying the cabins. In all these cases, the span is about the unsupported length between two points of support.

See also

In Spanish: Span para niños