Published by:
CGP EDU Academic Team
Published on: September 12, 2026
A cylinder and a cube of the same material, the same height and the same weight stand upright on a horizontal plane. Which of the two bodies is it harder to overturn ?
Text Solution
Verified by ExpertsThe correct answer is:
A
Step 1: Understand the concept of stability. The stability of an object refers to its ability to return to its original position after being disturbed. This is largely dependent on the center of mass and the base of support of the object.
Step 2: Analyze the shapes involved. The cube and the cylinder both have the same height and weight. However, their shapes differ significantly. The base of support for the cube is its square face, while for the cylinder, it is its circular base.
Step 3: Determine the center of mass for both shapes. The center of mass for the cube is at its geometric center, while for the cylinder, it is also at its center but distributed more evenly around that center due to its circular shape.
Step 4: Compare the base widths. A cylinder has a wider base when considering rolling over due to its circular shape, allowing it to dissipate force better when pushed. In contrast, a cube, while having square edges, has a narrower point of stability at the corners compared to a cylinder.
Step 5: Conclusion: The cylinder is generally harder to overturn due to its design allowing for a lower center of gravity and more stability across its circular base.
Therefore, the answer is the cube is easier to overturn than the cylinder.
Step 2: Analyze the shapes involved. The cube and the cylinder both have the same height and weight. However, their shapes differ significantly. The base of support for the cube is its square face, while for the cylinder, it is its circular base.
Step 3: Determine the center of mass for both shapes. The center of mass for the cube is at its geometric center, while for the cylinder, it is also at its center but distributed more evenly around that center due to its circular shape.
Step 4: Compare the base widths. A cylinder has a wider base when considering rolling over due to its circular shape, allowing it to dissipate force better when pushed. In contrast, a cube, while having square edges, has a narrower point of stability at the corners compared to a cylinder.
Step 5: Conclusion: The cylinder is generally harder to overturn due to its design allowing for a lower center of gravity and more stability across its circular base.
Therefore, the answer is the cube is easier to overturn than the cylinder.
Prepare Smarter with CGP Edu
Get practice questions, solutions, and test series in one place.
Write a Review
Share your experience with this question and solution.
Commentary
Send your comment, doubt, correction, or feedback to admin.
Similar Questions
Explore conceptually related problems
A uniform disc of mass 2kg and radius 1m is mounted on an axle supported on fixed frictionless bear…
A solid sphere is resting over a rough horizontal floor. A sharp impulse is applied on it along its…
Select the wrong statement –
Statement-I : A body may be in pure rotation under the action of singl…
A ring of mass M and radius R sliding with a velocity v 0 suddenly enters into rough surface where …
A cylinder of mass m is kept on a inclined plane having angle of inclination 30 0 Axis of cylinder …
A uniform rod of mass 1 kg and length 1 m is kept vertical on the edge of a horizontal table. The r…