Questions on impact and on a loaded cord
Straight versus bent impact; where a weighted cord feels the most load
Two mechanical questions are posed with lettered diagrams. The first asks which of two equal heavy bodies, given an equal quantity of motion, delivers the greater impact on its target: one moving in a straight line a b, or one whose motion is reflected or "bent" like a knee at a c. The second asks, for a cord loaded with a weight and meeting at the junction a b, which part of the cord — a or b — bears more of the load.
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Straight versus bent impact (b a – c)
Given an equal quantity of motion in two equal heavy bodies, Leonardo asks which yields the greater percussion on its object: the straight motion a b, or the reflected, "kneed" motion a c.
Where a loaded cord feels the most weight (a b)
For a cord that comes together at the junction a b under a hanging weight, he asks which portion feels the greater load, the part a or the part b.