Equivalence of tipping conditions on an inclined plane

In summary, the tipping condition of a cube on an inclined plane is determined by the presence of an unbalanced torque relative to the center of mass, which is caused by the normal force and the force of friction. This condition is equivalent to the line of action of the force of gravity pointing outside the base of the cube and the force of friction being large enough to prevent sliding. A simple counterexample to this condition is an object sliding without tipping over, such as a cuboid with sides of $a$, $a$, and $3a$ where the line of action of the force of friction is $\frac{3}{2}a$ from the center of gravity and the reaction force is $\frac{1}{2}a$
  • #1
ChessEnthusiast
115
3
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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  • #2
An object can slide without tipping over.
 
  • #3
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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  • #4
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.
 
  • #5
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?
 

1. What is the "equivalence of tipping conditions" on an inclined plane?

The equivalence of tipping conditions refers to the point at which an object on an inclined plane will begin to slide or tip over due to the force of gravity. It is the point where the normal force is no longer strong enough to balance the weight of the object.

2. How is the equivalence of tipping conditions determined?

The equivalence of tipping conditions is determined by the angle of the inclined plane and the weight and dimensions of the object. It can be calculated using the formula tanθ = μ, where θ is the angle of the inclined plane and μ is the coefficient of static friction.

3. What factors can affect the equivalence of tipping conditions?

The weight and dimensions of the object, the angle of the inclined plane, and the coefficient of static friction are the main factors that can affect the equivalence of tipping conditions. Other factors may include the surface material of the inclined plane and external forces acting on the object.

4. How does the coefficient of static friction affect the equivalence of tipping conditions?

The coefficient of static friction is a measure of how much friction exists between two surfaces that are not moving relative to each other. A higher coefficient of static friction means there is more resistance to movement, so a higher coefficient will increase the angle at which an object will begin to slide or tip over on an inclined plane.

5. What is the significance of understanding the equivalence of tipping conditions?

Understanding the equivalence of tipping conditions is important in engineering and physics, as it allows us to predict when an object will begin to slide or tip over on an inclined plane. This knowledge can be applied in various industries, such as construction and transportation, to ensure the safety and stability of structures and objects on inclined planes.

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