Where will the normal force on the block act if it tips?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the coefficient of static friction for a cube subjected to a horizontal pull, specifically analyzing the conditions under which the cube will slide or tip. The relevant equations include the static friction formula \( f_s = u_s \cdot N \) and the moment equilibrium condition around the point of rotation. The participants clarify that the point of rotation is indeed the edge of the cube, which is crucial for calculating the static friction coefficient necessary for the block to slide rather than tip.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static friction and its equation \( f_s = u_s \cdot N \)
  • Knowledge of moment equilibrium and rotational dynamics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of mass, weight, and gravitational force
  • Basic principles of mechanics, particularly regarding tipping and sliding conditions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the coefficient of static friction in tipping scenarios
  • Learn about the application of moment equilibrium in rigid body mechanics
  • Explore the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in static and dynamic contexts
  • Investigate the effects of different surface materials on static friction coefficients
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone studying static equilibrium and friction in mechanical systems will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


A cube of side l rests on a rough floor. It is subjected to a steady horizontal pull F, exerted a distance h above the floor as shown below. As F increases, the block will either begin to slide, or begin to tip over and thus rotate. Determine the coefficient of static friction so that (a) the block begins to slide rather than tip; (b) the block begins to tip. [Hint: Where will the normal force on the block act if it tips?]


Homework Equations


fs=(u(s))(N)


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not even sure where to start this problem. With no values the equation for the coefficient of static friction seems useless.
 
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Set the sum of moments around the point of rotation of the block equal to zero. You can get the mass of the block out of this equation. Now you have everything you need to calculate the coefficient of friction.
 
radou said:
Set the sum of moments around the point of rotation of the block equal to zero. You can get the mass of the block out of this equation. Now you have everything you need to calculate the coefficient of friction.
Could you explain further?
I have the equations
f_s=u_s * n
|n|=mg
f_s=u_s*m*g

I=mr^2
m=(r^2)/I

I don't understand how setting
summation(mr^2)=0 will help me.

I'm also assuming that the "point of rotation" is just the edge of the cube.
 

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