Fig. 15.1 shows two objects, A and B, on a surface. Object A has a wide base and a low centre of gravity. Object B has a narrow base and a high centre of gr...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 15.1 shows two objects, A and B, on a surface. Object A has a wide base and a low centre of gravity. Object B has a narrow base and a high centre of gravity.
(a) State which object is more stable. [1]
(b) Explain why a wider base makes an object more stable. [2]
(c) Explain why a lower centre of gravity makes an object more stable. [2]
(d) Give one example where stability is important in everyday life. [1]
Answer Details
(a) Which object is more stable
Object A is more stable. It has both a wider base and a lower centre of gravity than object B.
[1 mark]
(b) Why a wider base increases stability
With a wider base, the object can be tilted further before its centre of gravity moves beyond the edge of the base. [1] Once the line of action of the weight falls outside the base, the weight creates a turning moment that topples the object. A wider base means a larger tilt angle (or a greater force) is needed to reach that tipping point. [1]
[2 marks]
(c) Why a lower centre of gravity increases stability
With a lower centre of gravity, the object must be tilted through a larger angle before the vertical line from its centre of gravity passes outside the base. [1] A higher centre of gravity moves laterally more for the same tilt angle, so it exits the base sooner, making the object easier to topple. [1]
[2 marks]
(d) Everyday example of stability
Any one of: a racing car designed with a low centre of gravity; a table lamp with a wide heavy base; a double-decker bus with a heavy engine mounted low down; a traffic cone with a wide base.
[1 mark]
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