Chapter 11, Problem 23A

When Suzie gradually increases the angle of the incline, the uniform blocks of wood begin to topple (there is enough friction to keep them from sliding). Rank the order in which the blocks tip from first to last.

To determine

To Rank: The order in which the blocks tip from first to last.

Answer to Problem 23A

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

There are three uniform blocks placed on an incline.

Block A is small and has equal sides.

Block B is tall and short sides.

Block C is medium with longer sides.

The block would topple when its center of gravity is outside the base about which it balances.

Calculations:

For the given blocks, the angle between the force and the turning axis is same. When the angle would be increased, the center of gravity of block B would lie outside the balance edge because its tall box. Second box that would topple would be block A and then C. Block C is most stable because it has wider base.

Conclusion: 

Thus, the order in which the blocks tip from first to last is: $B>A>C$