Max Mass of Carpenter to Keep Table Upright: Fnet=ma #15

[dtl42]

Homework Statement

A uniform round tabletop of diameter 4.0 m and mass 50.0 kg rests on massless, evenly spaced legs of length 1.0 m and spacing 3.0 m. A carpenter sits on the edge of the table. What is the maximum mass of the carpenter such that the table remains upright? Assume that the force exerted by the carpenter on the table is vertical and at the edge of the table.

Homework Equations

Maybe use torque?

The Attempt at a Solution

I tried using torque to balance it, but it got too messy for me to handle.

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi dtl42!

(i can't see your diagram yet)

Hint: it will topple when the normal force lies outside the polygon defined by the legs.