How High Can a Tower of Sugar Cubes Be?

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SUMMARY

The Babblers aim to construct a tower of sugar cubes with a compressive strength of 6.0 MPa and a density of 1500 kg/m³. The stress equation, defined as Stress = F/A, is correctly identified, but the relationship between stress and the height of the tower requires further clarification. To determine the maximum height, the relationship between the compressive strength and the weight of the sugar cubes must be established, leading to the derivation of a formula that incorporates height.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of compressive strength and its units (MPa)
  • Basic knowledge of stress equations in physics
  • Familiarity with material density calculations
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between compressive strength and height in structural engineering
  • Learn about the properties of materials, specifically sugar cubes, under load
  • Explore the derivation of stress equations and their applications in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate the concept of elastic deformation and how it relates to tower height
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, particularly those studying material strength and structural design, as well as educators looking for practical examples of stress and compressive strength applications.

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Homework Statement


The Babblers have decided to build a tower that would reach the top of Rock Candy Mountain. For brick they used large sugar cubes ( = 1500 kg/m3). The compressive strength (stress) of sugar cubes is 6.0 MPa. How tall of a tower can the Babblers build?


Homework Equations


Stress = F/A = Y(ΔL/L0)A


The Attempt at a Solution


I converted 6MPa to N/m2 for 6,000,000 N/m2, I just don't know how to find L. The A's cancel, leaving me with F = Y(ΔL/L0), right? Is Y = 1500 kg/m^3?
 
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I'm not sure you're using the right equations... the stress relationship is OK (stress = F/A), but how is this related to the height? Show an equation that can relate the height of tower to some part of the stress equation.

-Kerry
 

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