Rotational Torque, Forces, Tipping

In summary, the conversation discusses the maximum initial horizontal force that a machine can apply to a refrigerator at rest without causing it to tip. The refrigerator has a vertical center of mass of 0.5m and a horizontal center of mass in the center, with a mass of 200kg. The machine is applying the force 1.5m above the floor and the coefficient of static friction is 0.2. The two equations mentioned are F=umg and F=mgL/2r, with L and r being unknown variables. However, there is confusion about the use of F in the equations and the calculation for the minimum force required for the refrigerator to tip, as two different answers were obtained. It is unclear how
  • #1
johnnnnyyy
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0

Homework Statement


A refrigerator has a vertical center of mass .5m above the floor, and a horizontal center of mass of .5m which is in the horizontal center, the mass of the fridge is 200kg. What is the maximum initial horizontal force a machine can apply to the fridge which is at rest for the fridge to slide and not tip? The machaine is applying the force 1.5m above the floor. Coefficient of static friction is 0.2.


Homework Equations



F=umg
F=mgL/2r


The Attempt at a Solution


Minimum force required for refrigerator to tip-
F=mgL/2r: F=(200kg)(9.8)(1)/2(1)=980N
Minimum force required for refrigerator to tip
F=umg: F=(.2)(200)(9.8)=392N
I have no clue how to solve what will happen when a force more than the minimum force is applied by the machine.
 
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  • #2
I'm not making much sense of your equations. Pls define L, r and F. Are you using F to mean two different things?
You have two calculations for "Minimum force required for refrigerator to tip" leading to two different answers. Is one the descriptions wrong?
 

Related to Rotational Torque, Forces, Tipping

What is rotational torque?

Rotational torque is a measure of the force that causes an object to rotate around an axis. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied.

How is rotational torque different from regular torque?

Regular torque, also known as linear torque, refers to the force that causes an object to move in a straight line. Rotational torque, on the other hand, refers to the force that causes an object to rotate around an axis. They are two different types of forces with different effects on an object.

What is the relationship between rotational torque and angular acceleration?

The relationship between rotational torque and angular acceleration is described by Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net torque on an object is equal to the product of its moment of inertia and its angular acceleration. In other words, the greater the rotational torque applied to an object, the greater its angular acceleration will be.

How do forces affect tipping?

Forces can cause an object to tip over if the net torque on the object is greater than its rotational stability. This can happen when the center of mass of an object is not directly above its base of support, causing it to lose balance and tip over.

How can I prevent tipping in everyday situations?

To prevent tipping in everyday situations, it is important to ensure that the center of mass of an object is located above its base of support. This can be achieved by evenly distributing weight and avoiding placing heavy objects on one side of an object. Additionally, increasing the size of the base of support can also help to prevent tipping.

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