When a simply-supported elastic beam of span $L$ and flexural rigidity $E I$ ( $E$ is the modulus of elasticity and $I$ is the moment of inertia of the section) is loaded with a uniformly distributed load $w$ per unit length, the deflection at the mid-span is
$\Delta_0=\frac{5}{384} \frac{w L^4}{E I} \text {. }$
If the load on one half of the span is now removed, the mid-span deflection __________.
- reduces to $\Delta_0 / 2$
- reduces to a value less than $\Delta_0 / 2$
- reduces to a value greater than $\Delta_0 / 2$
- remains unchanged at $\Delta_0$