Calculate Max Lever Length for Toppling Block

[Saints-94]

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Hi, I have a block with a specified weight and a lever with a force at the other end. I was hoping someone could tell me what formula i need to work out the maximum length of lever before the block falls over.

 

[BvU]

Hi there. This homework ?
And: how come you don't worry about the height of the block ?

 

[Saints-94]

Thanks for your response.

Yes. Sorry, the height of the block is 1100mm.

 

[BvU]

Thank you for the response to the second question. Now how about the first one ?

 

[Saints-94]

Yes, it is for a project.

 

[BvU]

Fair enough. Around what point (axis) will it rotate when it topples ?
Where does gravity act ?
Just before it topples, what is the equilibrium condition ?

 

[Saints-94]

The CoG of the block is in the centre of the block, and I assume the block will topple at the bottom right point?

I am unsure what formula to use to work out the equilibrium and toppling?

 

[BvU]

Isn't the aim of the project to find that out ?

 

[Saints-94]

No, this is additional work I wanted to include but needed some guidance on what formula to use. No worries if you can't assist, its not essential work.

 

[BvU]

Hmm... what's the non-additional work, then ?
When is a balance with unequal arms in equilibrium ? (do you see the similarity with your case ?)