PhysicsLAB: Center of Gravity

Refer to the following information for the next three questions.

Which bottle is the most stable?

Which bottle is the least stable?

Which bottle has neutral stability?

Refer to the following information for the next question.

Discuss with your neighbor the direction of each weight vector and then decide which truck will tip over and why.

Refer to the following information for the next question.

Both blocks have equal mass.

Which requires more work to tip over? Why?

Refer to the following information for the next question.

Discuss with your partner why the pipe will or will not tip over.

Refer to the following information for the next question.

The wheels of a bike provide two points of contact with the ground. A kick stand provides a third. Sketch in the triangular area bounded by the three points of ground contact.

Where is the center of gravity of the bike with respect to the area that you designated?

Refer to the following information for the next two questions.

Explain to your partner why, if you stand with your back and heels to the slanted wall, you can lean over and touch your toes without toppling.

Refer to the following information for the next question.

A person stands upright without difficulty.

On each of the sketches shown above, draw the weight vector and explain to your partner why the same person cannot stand on tiptoes against the wall.