Toppling giving example of a block on horizontal surface?

AI Thread Summary
Toppling occurs when a block's center of mass is not directly above its contact area with a horizontal surface. If the center of gravity shifts to the side of the contact area, the block will begin to rotate and potentially fall over. Friction is not necessary for toppling to occur, as the block will topple due to gravitational torque acting on it. The discussion clarifies that the center of gravity must be above or to the side of the contact area for toppling to happen, not below it. Understanding these principles is crucial for analyzing stability in physical systems.
Shahid0072
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Please explain me the toppling giving example of a block on horizontal surface? Is friction necessary? What's its deal with center of gravity?
 
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I'm not completely sure I understood the question completely, but here goes:

If the centre of mass of the block is not above the contact area between the block and the table, it will start to move (fall over completely if there is nothing else that stops it). This happens whether there is friction or not.

Torquil
 


But how can center of mass ever be below contact point..I mean contact point is at lowest point on the surface..When does a block topple?
 


Ah, I meant that either the centre of gravity is "above the contact area", or to the side of it. Not under it :-) If it is to the side of the area of contact, then you can prove that it starts to rotate to the side by considering the torque of gravity upon the object, with respect to some appropriately chosen axis.

TOrquil
 

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