Why having a low center of mass guarantee stability?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of torques and stability. The speaker is struggling to visualize the concept and understand its significance. The other person explains that the torques are not the same and provides an example with a rectangular prism to demonstrate the importance of the center of mass and the area of the base for stability. They also mention that even with a low center of mass, there is no guarantee of stability and a larger torque is needed to flip the body over.
  • #1
physics user1
I know that, i studied it, but i can't actually make a picture in my mind, i can't really figure out why, i mean the forces and the torques are the same no? What's the big deal? What am i missing?
 
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  • #2
The torques are not the same. Imagine a rectangular prism sitting on a horizontal surface. Then incline it by some angle.
Look at the torque of the weight for two situations: low center of mass and high center of mass (for the same area of the base).
This is just part of the answer. The area of the base is also important for stability.

But no matter how low is CM there is no "guarantee". The body is just more stable, it takes a larger torque to flip it over.
 
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  • #3
The tilt required for fall over is different.
 

FAQ: Why having a low center of mass guarantee stability?

Why is having a low center of mass important for stability?

A low center of mass is important for stability because it helps to maintain balance and prevent tipping over. When an object has a low center of mass, it requires less effort to keep it upright since its weight is evenly distributed and closer to the ground. This makes it less likely to topple over or become unstable.

How does a low center of mass affect an object's stability?

A low center of mass increases an object's stability by lowering its center of gravity. This means that the object's weight is more evenly distributed and it is less susceptible to tipping over. Additionally, a lower center of mass increases the object's base of support, making it more difficult to knock over.

Can an object with a high center of mass still be stable?

Yes, an object with a high center of mass can still be stable as long as its base of support is wide enough. For example, a tall building has a high center of mass but is able to remain stable because its base is wide enough to support its weight. However, having a lower center of mass can still provide an extra level of stability.

What factors can affect an object's center of mass?

An object's center of mass can be affected by its shape, weight distribution, and the location of its support points. For example, a tall and narrow object will have a higher center of mass compared to a short and wide object. Additionally, changes in an object's weight distribution, such as adding or removing weight, can also affect its center of mass.

Are there any disadvantages to having a low center of mass?

There can be some disadvantages to having a low center of mass, such as reduced maneuverability. Objects with a lower center of mass may not be able to move as quickly or easily as objects with a higher center of mass. Additionally, a lower center of mass may also limit an object's ability to carry heavier loads or perform certain tasks that require a higher center of mass for stability.

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