Physics - Back-of-the-envelope

: The girder looked about 10 meters long. Assuming it was standard I-beam steel, he estimated its weight at roughly 50 kilograms per meter. Calculation : . Let’s call it to be safe—a metric ton. The Force : Gravity pulls at roughly Calculation : of static tension.

The foreman looked at Leo, then at the utility bill. "You did this with a pen and a light bill?" Back-of-the-Envelope Physics

If you're interested in learning more about this approach, you can explore resources like the book Back-of-the-Envelope Physics by Clifford Swartz. Back-of-the-Envelope Physics by Clifford Swartz - Booktopia : The girder looked about 10 meters long

: The wind was gusting. The girder was oscillating about 5 degrees from the vertical. Leo scribbled a quick triangle. The centripetal force at the bottom of the swing would add to the tension. Estimate : At that height and arc, the velocity was maybe Let’s call it to be safe—a metric ton

He didn’t have his laptop or a calculator. What he did have was a crumpled utility bill envelope and a leaking ballpoint pen.