- #1
Guvna
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This is not for a homework assignment, but rather a discussion I have to lead in an intro to physics class (not for credit). I've chosen to discuss the BASIC physics at play in the leaning tower of Pisa (torque, moment, etc.)
With the given variables, how can I calculate the angle at which the leaning tower of Pisa no longer can hold itself up and thus falls over.
Weight: 15,500 Tons
Height: 60m
Angle: 5.5 degrees
Diameter of Foundation: 19.6
It might help simplify the problem to imagine the tower on a giant tilted platform and, rather than the tower foundation sinking, the platform is being slowly raised so that the angle is increasing. The angle at which it falls is what I'm looking for.
T=rf sinθ ??
τ is the magnitude of the torque
r is the length (or magnitude) of the lever arm vector
f is the magnitude of the force
θ is the angle between the force vector and the lever arm vector
So I can plug into the equation above to get:
T= (H)x(W)x(sin 5.5) = (60)x(15,500)x(.65) = 604,500?
And this, pathetically, is where I'm stuck. I don't know what solution would indicate the "tipping point" of the tower or how to find it, exactly. If anyone could explain this to me (patiently, please, because I'm a total physics newb), that would be extremely helpful! I don't have a lot of time to put this together and I underestimated how difficult it would be for me.
Thanks very kindly...
Homework Statement
With the given variables, how can I calculate the angle at which the leaning tower of Pisa no longer can hold itself up and thus falls over.
Weight: 15,500 Tons
Height: 60m
Angle: 5.5 degrees
Diameter of Foundation: 19.6
It might help simplify the problem to imagine the tower on a giant tilted platform and, rather than the tower foundation sinking, the platform is being slowly raised so that the angle is increasing. The angle at which it falls is what I'm looking for.
Homework Equations
T=rf sinθ ??
τ is the magnitude of the torque
r is the length (or magnitude) of the lever arm vector
f is the magnitude of the force
θ is the angle between the force vector and the lever arm vector
The Attempt at a Solution
So I can plug into the equation above to get:
T= (H)x(W)x(sin 5.5) = (60)x(15,500)x(.65) = 604,500?
And this, pathetically, is where I'm stuck. I don't know what solution would indicate the "tipping point" of the tower or how to find it, exactly. If anyone could explain this to me (patiently, please, because I'm a total physics newb), that would be extremely helpful! I don't have a lot of time to put this together and I underestimated how difficult it would be for me.
Thanks very kindly...