Physics Unit 10 Open Ended Questions

How far can a body be tipped before it topples over?

Answer explanation

It can be tipped just before the center of gravity is outside of the base or support of the body

Why doesn’t the Leaning Tower of Pisa topple over?

Answer explanation

Because its center of gravity is within its base

Why must you bend forward when carrying a heavy load in your backpack?

Answer explanation

Because your center of gravity has changed, it has shifted the center of gravity outside of your heels so you bend forward to shift it back over your base (the feet)

Why is it easier to carry the same amount of water in two buckets, one in each hand, than in a single bucket?

Answer explanation

Because the two buckets balance you out making your center of gravity the same while one bucket would make you lean back since it shifts your center of gravity forward

It is the same weight but the torque is harder to balance with only one bucket compared to two.

How can three bricks be stacked so that the top brick has maximum horizontal displacement from the base of the bottom brick?

Answer explanation

The first brick one quarter out and the second brick one half out.

Nobody at the playground wants to play with the obnoxious boy, so he fashions a seesaw out of a plank of wood and a rock that he can play with by himself. Explain how this can be done.

Answer explanation

Instead of another kid, the weight of the bar can balance the torques. The bar wouldn’t be center though otherwise it will balance easily but if it is off center then it will rock back and forth