Leaning stack: where is the center of mass
Two stacks of books: one with a careful overhang and one with too much. One stands, the other falls — the center of mass decides.
2D
Age 8+10 min
StabilityLevers & balance
Loading simulation…
Press “Run”. Bodies move by the laws of physics: gravity, friction, elasticity.
What the experiment shows
The left stack is shifted by 1/2, 1/4, 1/6 of the length — it holds. The right one is shifted by 3/4 each — the center of mass leaves its support.
How to run it
- Press “Run” and see which stack stands.
- In the editor shift the top block of the left stack a bit more — it falls.
Questions to discuss
- What is the maximum overhang of two blocks?
- Why is stability tied to the position of the center of mass?
The science
A body stands while the vertical line through its center of mass falls inside its support. For a stack, look at the center of mass of all upper blocks relative to the edge of the block below.
Try it at home
Stack books or dominoes, sliding each by a smaller step, and find the maximum overhang.
What to change in the editor
- Add a block to the left stack.