2016: Problem 20

Topic: Rigid Bodies
Concepts: Center of mass, Inclined plane, Statics, Torque from weight


Solution:

Recall the slip angle on an incline is given by

tanθslip=μ\tan\theta_{\text{slip}}=\mu

where μ\mu is the coefficient of friction.

To find the tipping angle, note that when the triangle is about to topple over, the normal force and friction only act at the bottom right corner. If we choose this point as our pivot point, then only the weight of the triangle contributes to the torque.

At the threshold of toppling, the torque is zero so the CM lies over the pivot point (for the weight to have no moment arm). Recall the CM of a triangle is a third of the height away from the base. Then using similar triangles,

tanθtip=w/2h/3=3w2h=3\tan\theta_{\text{tip}}=\frac{w/2}{h/3}=\frac{3w}{2h}=3

since we are given w=2hw=2h. To topple before sliding requires

θslipθtip\theta_{\text{slip}} \geq \theta_{\text{tip}}
tanθsliptanθtip\tan\theta_{\text{slip}} \geq \tan\theta_{\text{tip}}
μ3\mu \geq 3

so the answer is E.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Join 261 other subscribers

F=ma Training Program
Group (2026)
Individual (2026)

1D elastic collision 1D inelastic collision 5 kinematics equations Angular kinematics Atwood machine Buoyant force Circular motion Circular orbits Conservation of angular momentum Conservation of energy Conservation of linear momentum Dimensional analysis Effective spring constant Elliptical orbits Energy dissipation Error propagation Fictitious forces Fma: Collisions Fma: Dynamics Fma: Energy Fma: Fluids Fma: Gravity Fma: Kinematics Fma: Oscillatory Motion Fma: Other Fma: Rigid Bodies Fma: System of Masses Forces in mechanics Free fall Inclined plane Kinetic energy Limiting cases Mass-spring system Moments of inertia Motion graphs Newton's laws Power Projectile motion Relative velocity Rolling motion Simple harmonic motion Statics Torque Torque from weight Work-energy theorem

Discover more from Kevin S. Huang

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading