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Chapter 12: Problem 5

When you carry a bucket of water with one hand, you instinctively extend your opposite arm. Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The opposite arm is extended when carrying a bucket of water to create an opposing torque that helps balance the torque exerted by the bucket. This restores the body to rotational equilibrium, preventing it from rotating or leaning towards the side of the bucket.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Torque

Torque is the rotational counterpart of force. The force that the bucket of water exerts downward has an associated torque because it is exerted at a distance from the body's center of mass.
02

Illustrating Center of Mass

The center of mass of a body is the location at which all the mass could be concentrated without changing the behavior of the body's motion. When carrying a bucket of water in one hand, the center of mass shifts towards the side with the bucket.
03

Explaining Rotational Equilibrium

A body is in rotational equilibrium when the net torque on it is zero. Because of the off-center weight of the bucket, the body is not in rotational equilibrium, and will start rotating around its center of mass.
04

Extending Opposite Arm for Balance

By extending the opposite arm, an opposing torque is made which helps balance the torque exerted by the bucket. As a result, the body comes into rotational equilibrium and doesn't rotate or lean towards the side of the bucket.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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