Surveyors and photographers use tripods for support.
Why does a three legged support work better than a four legged one? Why would a four legged support still rock even if the gorund is leveled? Thanks!
2006-09-14 13:19:16 · 5 answers · asked by that's funny 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
It works because any 3 noncollinear points must be coplanar, so there is always a plane containing the 3 legs and it won't rock. I don't see why a 4-legged support would rock on perfectly level ground though. Tables don't rock on the floor if they are balanced.
2006-09-14 13:23:20 · answer #1 · answered by hayharbr 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
On a flat (but not level) surface, the three tips of the tripod legs will match any plane. If you add a fourth leg, it's length would have to be made to an exact value to match the other three. This is hard to do--it will come out a bit long or a bit short, so you have to keep adjusting until you get the length exactly right. No one wants to fuss that much in setting up an instrument or a camera.
2006-09-14 20:55:08 · answer #2 · answered by gp4rts 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It won't rock if the ground is level, but the ground is rarely leveled. 3 points automatically make the tripod stable, and 3 legs are lighter than 4 to carry around. IF you have 4 legs, you have to adjust at least 2 of them to make the platform stable for use.
2006-09-14 20:23:53 · answer #3 · answered by auntiegrav 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A pyramid or triangle is JUST MORE STRONGER THAN A quadrilateral. The weight rests on the base, whereas WITH A QUAD, the weight rests on everything.
2006-09-14 20:21:55 · answer #4 · answered by The Ultimate Answerer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
8 PM is not time to do homework sorry.....
2006-09-14 20:20:46 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ Karen ♥ 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋