1J11.15 - Incline and Tipping Block

Code Number:
1J11.15
Demo Title:
Incline and Tipping Block
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Center of Mass
Area of Study:
Mechanics

Disclaimer

Equipment:
Inclined Plane and 4X4 Block with Offset Center of Mass.
Procedure:

Set the block on the inclined plane with the center of mass toward the lower end.  Raise the inclined plane until the block tips over and observe that angle.  Turn the block over so that the center of mass is toward the upper portion, again raise the inclined plane until the block tips and observe that this angle is much smaller.

If you are trying to do this with an incline that has no angular scale on it, you may connect a plumb bob to the center of the block to calculate the tipping angle.

References:
  • Jerome C. Licini and Zijun Yuan, "Why is an Empty Shampoo Bottle So Easy to Knock Over?", TPT, Vol. 58, #3, Mar. 2020, p. 220.
  • G. A. Benesh, J. S. Olafsen, "On the Stability of a Can of Soda", TPT, Vol. 52, # 6, Sept. 2014, p. 344.
  • Russell B. DeVore, "Center of Gravity and Stability", TPT, Vol. 16, #7, Oct. 1978, p. 506. 
  • A. M. Nunes and J. P. Silva, "Tilted Boxes on Inclined Planes", AJP, Vol. 68, #11, Nov. 2000, p. 1042.
  • Borislaw Bilash II and David Maiullo, "Tipping Point", A Demo a Day: A Year of Physics Demonstrations, p. 152.
  • Julius Sumner Miller, Q179 & A179, Millergrams II – Some More Enchanting Questions for Enquiring Minds, p. 46 & 100.
  • Joseph Frick, "# 65 - Stable Equilibrium", Physical Technics: Or, Practical Instructions for Making Experiments in Physics and the Construction of Physical Apparatus with the Most Limited Means, p. 74.

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.