Chapter 11, Problem 38A

A bottle rack that seems to defy common sense is shown in the figure. Where is the CG of the rack and bottle?

To determine

The center of gravity of the rack and bottle.

Answer to Problem 38A

The center of gravity lies directly above the support base of the rack on the table.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The center of gravity of a body is the point where the sum of all the forces that are acting on a body will be equal to zero.

The rack and the bottle are in stable equilibrium because their center of gravity lies about the support point. Had it not been above the support point, an unbalanced force would have caused the toppling of the bottle and the rack. The center of gravity lies directly above the base of the support of the rack on the table.

Conclusion:

Hence, the center of gravity lies directly above the support base of the rack on the table.