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Toppling and sliding conditions

Rigid body dynamics · Physics

Simple pendulum

Interactive 3D

Release the bob and watch true small-angle SHM. The period depends only on the string length.

Controls

Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.

m
0.3m2m
°
5°45°

Study notes

**Example:** A box of mass 10 kg, width 0.5 m and height 0.4 m sits on a flat table. A horizontal force of 20 N is applied at the top edge (height 0.4 m). Will it topple or slide? *Step 1 – Check toppling:* - Torque from the applied force: τ = F·h = 20 N × 0.4 m = 8 N·m. - Weight torque about the bottom edge: τ_weight = m·g·(w/2) = 10 kg × 9.8 m/s² × (0.5 m/2) = 24.5 N·m. - Since 8 N·m < 24.5 N·m, the box does **not** topple. *Step 2 – Check sliding:* - Coefficient of friction μ = 0.5. - Normal force N = m·g = 10 kg × 9.8 m/s² = 98 N. - Maximum friction f_max = μ·N = 0.5 × 98 N = 49 N. - Applied horizontal force = 20 N, which is less than 49 N, so the box does **not** slide. **Result:** The box stays in place; it neither topples nor slides.

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