What is the maximum distance of a stable brick stack without overhang?

  • Thread starter Thread starter kamikaze1
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the maximum distance a stack of four identical bricks can extend over a table without any part of the top brick overhanging. The key concept is to analyze the torque and the center of mass of the stacked bricks. The center of mass must remain above the table's edge to prevent the stack from toppling. As more bricks are added, the challenge lies in calculating how the center of mass shifts and ensuring it stays within a stable range. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
kamikaze1
Messages
22
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


There are four identical uniform bricks each with length of L, so that the top brick is as far to the right as possible without the stack falling over. Is it possible to stack the bridge such that no part of the top brick is over the table. Namely, maximize the distance of d (from the outer edge of the top brick to the outer edge of the table).


Homework Equations


torque
T=Fd
Center of mass


The Attempt at a Solution


First look at one brick, the maximum distance from the center of mass is L/2. I'm stuck there. How should I apply torque to know what happens if we put extra bricks on top?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try to examine how the center of mass of the system changes as you continuously stack blocks. Where should the center of mass be of the system for the blocks to fall?
 
How would the center of mass change if I stack two bricks on each other?
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...

Similar threads

Back
Top