Stable structures
Have you noticed
how some shapes are easier to topple over than others? Look at the tower
on the right. This structure is very stable indeed. It has a low centre
of gravity and a wide base of support. A great deal of energy must be
supplied to topple the structure.
A person standing with their back up against the wall can not bend over without falling? Why?
Why can a person standing alone bend over without falling?
Double decker trams are common
in some parts of the world. They travel around corners at great speeds
but do not topple. They are just as stable as normal trams. Why?
Solution
What happens to the stability
of the tram if all passengers were advised to fill the top level first
before sitting in the bottom level?
Solution
