Question

A rectangular brick is kept on a table with a part of its length projecting out. It remains at rest if the length projected is slightly less than half the total length but it falls down if the length projected is slightly more than half the total length. Give reason.

Answer 1

Answer:

Also, the distance of the line of action of the weight of the projected part from the edge of the table is also less in comparison to the other part. Thus, the overturning torque, in this case, will be less than the restoring torque. Thus, the brick remains at rest.

Answer 2

Explanation:

• About the pivot, the torque is not enough when the prominent part is less than that of its half, to rotate the brick. Inside the table, the mass’ centre is present as this is an impossible case.
• But when the prominent portion is more than that of its half, the mass’ centre becomes prominent and the torque becomes operative as the weight becomes more than the reaction force.
• Thus, there will be the fall down of the brick.