Can anyone Explain why a glass tips over when pushed from the top?

In summary, the question is whether a glass with a height of 10 cm, diameter of 2 cm, weight of 300g, and coefficient of friction of .30 will slip or tip. The contributor tested this theory and found that the glass did indeed tip. The reason for this is that the farther away the force is applied from the base, the more torque it exerts, and this torque must be greater than the torque due to gravity in order for the glass to tip. It is also noted that the force required to overcome gravity may not be enough to overcome static friction.
  • #1
linuxux
133
0

Homework Statement



A glass has a height of 10 cm, and a diameter of 2 cm, it weight 300g and a coefficient of friction equal to .30 exists. Will it slip or tip?

Homework Equations



?

The Attempt at a Solution



Im almost certain there are no calculations informed since i have been hard pressed to find equations relating height and friction. But i did test this theory my self on a glass and it did tip. Is the reason it tips because the farther away you are from the base, the more perpendicular is the applied force in respect to the base, because is you push from the bottom of the glass all the force is against the friction. Is this right?
 
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  • #2
linuxux said:
Is the reason it tips because the farther away you are from the base, the more perpendicular is the applied force in respect to the base, because is you push from the bottom of the glass all the force is against the friction. Is this right?
It's certainly true that the higher up the force is applied, the more torque it exerts. Whether it tips or not depends on whether the applied torque is greater than the torque due to gravity.

Assume for the moment that the glass doesn't slip. What applied force is required to overcome gravity? Would a force of that magnitude be enough to overcome static friction?
 
  • #3


Yes, your explanation is correct. When the glass is pushed from the top, the force is applied at a point farther away from the base, causing a larger moment arm and thus a larger torque. This torque causes the glass to tip over, as opposed to being pushed from the bottom where the force is directly opposing the friction and preventing it from slipping or tipping. Additionally, the shape of the glass, with a narrower base and wider top, also contributes to the tipping motion. The coefficient of friction also plays a role, as a higher coefficient would increase the resistance to slipping or tipping.
 

FAQ: Can anyone Explain why a glass tips over when pushed from the top?

1. Why does a glass tip over when pushed from the top?

When a glass is pushed from the top, it creates a moment of force known as torque. This torque causes the glass to rotate and eventually tip over due to the center of mass being shifted beyond the base of the glass.

2. Is there a specific angle at which a glass will always tip over when pushed from the top?

The angle at which a glass will tip over depends on the shape and size of the glass, as well as the surface it is resting on. In general, the taller and narrower the glass, the easier it will be to tip over.

3. Can the material of the glass affect its tendency to tip over?

Yes, the material of the glass can play a role in its stability. Glasses made of heavier materials, such as thick glass or metal, will be less likely to tip over compared to lighter materials like plastic or thin glass.

4. Can the liquid inside the glass affect its stability?

Yes, the amount and distribution of liquid in the glass can impact its stability. A glass filled with a large amount of liquid will have a lower center of mass, making it less likely to tip over. However, if the liquid is unevenly distributed, it can cause the center of mass to shift, making the glass more prone to tipping over.

5. Is there a way to prevent a glass from tipping over when pushed from the top?

To prevent a glass from tipping over, the center of mass must be kept within the base of the glass. This can be achieved by making the base wider or adding weight to the bottom of the glass. Additionally, keeping the surface the glass is resting on level and stable can also help prevent tipping.

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