Equivalence of tipping conditions on an inclined plane

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the tipping conditions of a cube on an inclined plane, specifically analyzing the relationship between unbalanced torque and the line of action of gravitational force. It establishes that the tipping condition occurs when the gravitational force's line of action extends beyond the cube's base, while also considering the role of friction in preventing sliding. A specific example using a cuboid with dimensions $a$, $a$, and $3a$ illustrates that the angle of inclination, $\theta$, at which tipping occurs is 18 degrees, derived from the static equilibrium equations involving friction and normal forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static equilibrium in physics
  • Knowledge of torque and its calculation
  • Familiarity with forces acting on inclined planes
  • Basic trigonometry for angle calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of torque and equilibrium in rigid body mechanics
  • Explore the effects of friction on inclined planes and static friction coefficients
  • Investigate the conditions for sliding versus tipping in various geometrical shapes
  • Learn about the applications of these principles in engineering and design
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, engineers, and anyone interested in mechanics, particularly those studying the behavior of objects on inclined surfaces and the conditions for tipping and sliding.

ChessEnthusiast
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We have a cube on an inclined plane.
The tipping condition is the presence of an unbalanced torque relative to the center of mass (contributing forces are: the normal force and the force of friction).

However, is this conditions equivalent to the previous one:
The line of action of the force of gravity points outside the base of the cube AND the force of friction is large enough to prevent the cube from sliding?

If not, it it easy to think of a simple counterexample?
 
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An object can slide without tipping over.
 
Let's say I have a cuboid with sides $a$, $a$ and $3a$.
The distance of the line of action of the force of friction from the center of gravity is $\frac 3 2 a$
As for the reaction force, the maximal distance will be $\frac a 2$.
We are considering the static case. Therefore, the force of friction:
$$F_f = mg \sin(\theta)$$
And the normal force
$$F_n = mg \cos(\theta)$$
In the language of torques:
$$\frac{3}{2}a mg \sin(\theta) = \frac{1}{2}a mg \cos(\theta)$$
$$3 sin(\theta) = cos(\theta)$$
$$\tan(\theta) = \frac{1}{3}$$
$$\theta = 18 \deg$$
This is exactly the same angle that I get when I try to work out the situation when the force of gravity is getting outside the base of the cuboid (once again, I'm considering the static case).
Is it a coincidence?
 

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ChessEnthusiast said:
We are considering the static case.
You cannot just assume this. You need to verify that you can get a friction force that is large enough.
 
Suppose that I know that the object will not slide - is it, then, sufficient to find the angle that causes the line of action to leave the base of the cuboid?
 

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