I know the answer is the square, but why (I can't think of a scientific way to explain it).
2006-09-12 11:15:49 · 14 answers · asked by Daniel Black 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Rectangle, lower center of gravity, increased friction
2006-09-12 11:17:29 · answer #1 · answered by Ken C. 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It could be the rectangle, if it is lying on its longer side. The analytical method is to determine how high the slope must be before the object will topple. (Assume friction is high enough that the things won't slide). And that can be determined by figuring the angle of the line from the center of gravity (in this case, in the middle of each figure) to the lower corner when the object is sitting flat. When the ramp is lifted, the object will topple when the line in question goes vertical.
2006-09-12 11:23:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
why is the answer square? a rectangle if laying long ways along the slope would have more stability as the highest point would be further from the 45 degree diagonal of the lowest point. the square however always has the highest point on the diagonal from the lowest point. once the slope got steeper than 45degrees the highest point of the square will be over the vertical therefore making it less stable as it has the potential to topple over itself.
hope that makes sense. it does in my head.
2006-09-12 11:23:03 · answer #3 · answered by pleiades-im-coming-home 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on their position. If the rectangle is flat and the slope is not too steep it is actually more stable.
To solve problems like this, think of what would happen if a (small) force would work on the object. Will there be forces that bring the object back to where it came from? Then it is stable, and the stronger these restoring forces, the more stable it is.
2006-09-12 11:19:10 · answer #4 · answered by dutch_prof 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Surely this would depend on which way up the rectangle is? If it were on the short edge, I would agree the square is more stable because it has a lower centre of gravity.
2006-09-12 11:18:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rectangle is more stable due to the lower center of gravity. You didnt specify if the rectangle is lying on its long side or its short side. On its long side the rectangle becomes more unstable and will tip over, (higher center of gravity) but if lying on the long side its center of gravity is lower.
2006-09-12 11:48:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
assuming the square and rectangle have equal dimensions/mass....a square has more weight per sqaure inch of surface touching the hill (slope )side...that means less friction for the surface of the rectangle and so it would slide first
2006-09-12 11:20:14 · answer #7 · answered by lfnatu 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think rectangle if the long side is on the slope.
2006-09-12 11:17:47 · answer #8 · answered by Homer J. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toppleing occurs when the figures center of gravity passes over the downhill corner of the quadrangle.
Whichever figure is farthest away from this circumstance is the most stable.
2006-09-12 12:11:09 · answer #9 · answered by Holden 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the rectangle is resting on its more narrow side, the torque would give it more of a chance of toppling over (based on the center of gravity)
2006-09-12 11:25:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋