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Physics Hall · EXH-0007
When does an object tip over?
A tower can hold a load near its middle but tip when the same load moves too far sideways.
Start the experience01
What should you look for?
Where was the boundary between stable and tipping?
- 01The object stayed up while the center line was inside
- 02A wider support allowed more movement
- 03Outside the support, gravity made it rotate
02
Why does this happen?
Support supplies a balancing force
When the weight line falls over the support area, the upward support can balance it.
Outside creates a tipping torque
Beyond the edge, gravity acts around the edge as a pivot and rotates the object.
This is a static two-dimensional model. It leaves out pushes, bouncing, and inertia.
03
Move it before reading the answer
Move the weight left and right. Compare the dotted centre-of-mass line with the base.