Rotation Kinematics and a stupid fridge

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum acceleration of a truck carrying a refrigerator, modeled as a uniform parallelepiped with dimensions 7 ft tall, 4 ft wide, and 2 ft deep, and a mass of 110 kg. To determine this acceleration, participants are advised to analyze the torques about the center of mass (CM) and consider the tipping point at the back corner of the fridge. The key hints provided emphasize that the sum of all torques must equal zero when the fridge is on the verge of tipping. Participants are encouraged to show their work to receive assistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational kinematics
  • Knowledge of torque and center of mass concepts
  • Familiarity with static equilibrium conditions
  • Basic principles of physics related to forces and motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the torque exerted by the refrigerator's weight about the tipping point
  • Explore static equilibrium conditions for rigid bodies
  • Learn about the effects of friction on tipping scenarios
  • Investigate real-world applications of rotational dynamics in transportation
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of rotational dynamics and static equilibrium in practical scenarios, such as transporting large objects safely.

Jester0722
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Problem as stated:
-A refrigerator is approximately a uniform parallelepiped h = 7 ft tall, w = 4 ft wide, and d = 2 ft deep. It sits upright on a truck with its 4 ft dimension in the direction of travel. Assume that the refrigerator cannot slide on the truck and that its mass is 110 kg. For the first three parts of this problem, the rope shown in the picture is not there.
Question:
-What is the maximum acceleration the truck can have such that the refrigerator does not tip over?
* It gave help hints: (1)Since the fridge is not rotating, the sum of all the torques about an axis through the CM must be zero.(2) for the maximum acceleration, assume that the fridge is just starting to tip, so that the point of contact with the floor of the truck is at the back corner.
Any help would be great.
 
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