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Chapter 9: Q-15Q (page 230)

Which configuration of bricks, Fig. 9–39a or Fig. 9–39b, is the more likely to be stable? Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The configuration of bricks is more likely to be stable in figure (b).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the center of gravity and torque

When the center of gravity of a specific system is not above the base of support, it will apply torque to rotate the system.

02

Explanation for the configurations of the bricks in figures (a) and (b)

In figure (a), the bottom brick's center of gravity is at the edge, whereas the top brick has the center of gravity to the right of the table's edge. Due to this, the force of gravity will exert torque on the bricks to roll clockwise off the table.

In figure (b), exactly three-fourth of the mass of the top brick is at the edge of the table, whereas one-fourth of the mass of the bottom brick is at the edge of the table. So, their center of gravity is at the edge of the table.

Therefore, figure (b) is more stable.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A 15.0-kg ball is supported from the ceiling by rope A. Rope B pulls downward and to the side on the ball. If the angle of A to the vertical is 22° and if B makes an angle of 53° to the vertical (Fig. 9–85), find the tensions in ropes A and B.

A home mechanic wants to raise the 280-kg engine out of a car. The plan is to stretch a rope vertically from the engine to a branch of a tree 6.0 m above, and back to the bumper (Fig. 9–88). When the mechanic climbs up a stepladder and pulls horizontally on the rope at its midpoint, the engine rises out of the car. (a) How much force must the mechanic exert to hold the engine 0.50 m above its normal position? (b) What is the system’s mechanical advantage?

A 10.0 N weight is suspended by two cords, as shown in Fig. 9–44. What can you say about the tension in the two cords?

(a) The tension in both cords is 5.0 N.

(b) The tension in both cords is equal but not 5.0 N.

(c) The tension in cord A is greater than that in cord B.

(d) The tension in cord B is greater than that in cord A.


When a wood shelf of mass 6.6 kg is fastened inside a slot in a vertical support as shown in Fig. 9–92, the support exerts a torque on the shelf. (a) Draw a free-body diagram for the shelf, assuming three vertical forces (two exerted by the support slot—explain why). Then calculate (b) the magnitudes of the three forces and (c) the torque exerted by the support (about the left end of the shelf).


Question:A 50-story building is being planned. It is to be 180.0 m high with a base 46.0 m by 76.0 m. Its total mass will be about\({\bf{1}}{\bf{.8 \times 1}}{{\bf{0}}^{\bf{7}}}\;{\bf{kg}}\)and its weight therefore about\({\bf{1}}{\bf{.8 \times 1}}{{\bf{0}}^{\bf{8}}}\;{\bf{N}}\). Suppose a 200-km/h wind exerts a force of\({\bf{950}}\;{\bf{N/}}{{\bf{m}}^{\bf{2}}}\)over the 76.0-m-wide face (Fig. 9–80). Calculate the torque about the potential pivot point, the rear edge of the building (where acts in Fig. 9–80), and determine whether the building will topple. Assume the total force of the wind acts at the midpoint of the building’s face, and that the building is not anchored in bedrock. [Hint:\({\vec F_{\rm{E}}}\)in Fig. 9–80 represents the force that the Earth would exert on the building in the case where the building would just begin to tip.]
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