forces - stability (whatyouneed2know)

Question 1

how does stability work?
(whole explanation)

Answer 1

the line of action passes vertically through the objects CoM.

tilting an object would cause the CoM to move towards the edge (which acts as a pivot)
–> line of action stays vertical

when the line of action no longer runs through the base, the object would topple over (rotating about its nearest edge). this is because there’s nothing below the CoM, and its weight provides a turing effect around the pivot point.

Question 2

stability investigation? (explanation too!)

Answer 2

how the height of an object affects stability

1) a wooden block is
placed so its standing
on its end
2) the block is gently
pushed at the top to
make it lean
3) the angle of tilt (at
which the block fell) is
recorded

REPEAT ABOVE FOR AVERAGE

4) the procedure is then
repeated for blocks of
different heights

Question 3

how to improve stability?

Answer 3

• by making the base longer –>
  this means the object will require a larger rotation to move the CoM over the unsupported side
• lowering the CoM –>
  this means the weight would be nearer the pivoting edge, so a larger moment is needed to rotate the object

Question 4

conclusion for stability graphs and variable name?

Answer 4

conclusions are relating variables

as the block height increases, the angle of topple decreases

Question 5

what’s the independent variable for a stability graph

Answer 5

independent variable - block height

Question 6

what’s the dependent variable for a stability graph?

Answer 6

dependent variable - angle of topple

Question 7

what’s the control variable(s) for a stability graph?

Answer 7

• cross sectional area
• same material