Additional Info

• ID Code: B1-03
• Purpose: Demonstrate equilibrium when its center of mass is above its base
• Description: This is a variation of B1-02. On a horizontal surface, the addition of the top component onto the base component of the tower shifts the center of mass outside the base perimeter, causing the configuration to change from stable (without top) to unstable (with top). When the tower is placed on an inclined plane, the horizontal position of the center of mass will be shifted more towards the center of the base thereby making it stable even with the top since the center of mass will still be over the base.

  Invite your students to discuss: What would happen if the inclined plane was removed? Is there any other way to make the complete tower (with both the top and base components) stable?

• Availability: Available
• References: REFERENCES: (PIRA 1J11.15)
• Loc codes: B1, FS1