- #1
Rotation - Minimum force so that the block topple
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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to rotational dynamics, specifically focusing on the minimum force required to cause a block to topple. Participants are exploring the effects of forces and torques on the block's stability.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants are attempting to understand the role of the normal force and its point of application. There are discussions about calculating torque around different axes and the implications of forces acting on the block. Questions arise regarding the conditions under which the block will begin to tip and the nature of the forces involved.
Discussion Status
The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and questioning each other's assumptions about the forces and torques. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculation of torque and the significance of the normal force's location, but no consensus has been reached on the solution.
Contextual Notes
Participants are grappling with the implications of the normal force not acting through the center of mass and the conditions necessary for the block to tip over. There is an acknowledgment of the complexities involved in determining the net torque and the forces at play.
- #2
Apphysicist
- 108
- 0
Consider the edge far from the applied force (i.e. the one against the table that it would intuitively tip around) as an axis of rotation...then you can find the torque applied by the force at that point a distance from the axis at an angle (associated with the geometry of the cube). Also, remember gravity would provide another torque at the center of mass, which is also another distance from the axis at a different angle. Hope that helps some.
- #3
ashishsinghal
- 462
- 0
See, there must be a force acting at the bottom which does not allow the cube to slide. However, you do not know its magnitude. So the best option is to calculate torque about the point which does not move. What will be the forces acting? Calculate their torque. Net torque should be just zero such that it tips.
The normal force will not act through the center of the mass.
If it did then- imagine- net torque would be zero and any small amount (even air flow) will tip the cube.
The normal force will not act through the center of the mass.
If it did then- imagine- net torque would be zero and any small amount (even air flow) will tip the cube.
- #4
- #5
ashishsinghal
- 462
- 0
okay, let us consider that the normal force is acting through the center of mass. Then the given force acts. As I said in my previous post any amount of force should be enough to tilt the block.
So, the block will tilt(just a bit) and the block will lose contact with ground (except the rightmost edge). Where will the normal force act then?
So, the block will tilt(just a bit) and the block will lose contact with ground (except the rightmost edge). Where will the normal force act then?
- #6
cupid.callin
- 1,130
- 1
OH yes ... you are right ...
Thanks guys for help ...
Thanks guys for help ...