Analysis: Will it tip or will it slide?

Here is a classic problem with important practical applications.

For example, it can help you when shifting furniture. More importantly it can enlighten you about the stability of road vehicles.

This analysis all depends on drawing the correct FBD.

Talking points

Refer to the video. Before the force (P) is applied to the box the normal force (N) is underneath the centre of gravity.

• What happens to the normal force (N) as the applied force (P) is increased until the box finally tips?

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