Chapter 8, Problem 71A

To determine

To explain: The reason for not balancing on tiptoe while a person is touching a wall.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Center of mass of an object is defined as the point at which the sum of weighted relative position of the distributed mass is zero. If the force is applied at this point, then only linear acceleration will be there. It is the mean location of a distribution of mass in space.

To balance the body, the center of mass should be above the point of support. When you stand normal, then center of mass will be above the feet. For balancing, half part of body is forward and half part of a body is behind the center of mass. While standing on toes touching the wall, the center of mass is shifted forward and no part of body is in front of center of mass. So, it is difficult to balance on tiptoe.