Chapter 11, Problem 17A

To determine

The secret of balancing toys that exhibit stable equilibrium while appearing to be unstable.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Center of mass of an object where whole mass of an object is concentrated. The balancing of an object depends on where the center of gravity lies.

Center of gravity and center of mass are nearly same when the both points are aligned at same point. The designing of a toys is such that they are weighted so that their center of gravity lies below the point of support.

Due to which toys always remain in stable equilibrium while appearing to be in unstable equilibrium.

Conclusion:

Center of gravity of toys lies just below the point of support to balance the toys stable equilibrium.