Rotational Torque, Forces, Tipping

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum initial horizontal force that can be applied to a refrigerator without tipping it. The refrigerator's mass is 200 kg, with a vertical center of mass at 0.5 m and a horizontal center of mass also at 0.5 m. The coefficient of static friction is 0.2, leading to a minimum force required to tip calculated as 980 N using the formula F=mgL/2r, and a minimum force to slide calculated as 392 N using F=umg. The confusion arises from the dual use of the variable F in different contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static friction and its coefficient
  • Knowledge of torque and rotational equilibrium
  • Familiarity with basic physics equations involving force, mass, and gravity
  • Ability to interpret and manipulate equations related to rotational dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of torque and rotational motion in physics
  • Learn about the conditions for static equilibrium in rigid bodies
  • Explore the effects of varying the point of force application on tipping scenarios
  • Investigate the role of friction in preventing motion in static systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone involved in the design or analysis of stable structures and systems subject to external forces.

johnnnnyyy
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A refrigerator has a vertical center of mass .5m above the floor, and a horizontal center of mass of .5m which is in the horizontal center, the mass of the fridge is 200kg. What is the maximum initial horizontal force a machine can apply to the fridge which is at rest for the fridge to slide and not tip? The machaine is applying the force 1.5m above the floor. Coefficient of static friction is 0.2.


Homework Equations



F=umg
F=mgL/2r


The Attempt at a Solution


Minimum force required for refrigerator to tip-
F=mgL/2r: F=(200kg)(9.8)(1)/2(1)=980N
Minimum force required for refrigerator to tip
F=umg: F=(.2)(200)(9.8)=392N
I have no clue how to solve what will happen when a force more than the minimum force is applied by the machine.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm not making much sense of your equations. Pls define L, r and F. Are you using F to mean two different things?
You have two calculations for "Minimum force required for refrigerator to tip" leading to two different answers. Is one the descriptions wrong?
 

Similar threads

Force on a rotating wheel/disc
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
A cylinder connected to a hanging mass
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Angular momentum conservation on a merry-go-round
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Torque about an accelerating point
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Equilibrium of Forces and Torques on Sawhorses Supporting a Person on a Board
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Find Force to Tilt a Refrigerator
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Maximizing Fridge Stability: Determining the Optimal Height for Pushing Force
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Torque on Left Foot of Man in Rotating System
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Solving for Rotation in a Force & Torque Equation
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Statics Problem Tipping Refrigerator
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K