100

PROGRAM SOLAR 2010

MODULE 17: STABILITY

SECTION A
1

The figure 1 shows two cans P and Q. Can P is empty and Q is half-filled with sand.
Tin can
Q

Tin can
P

sand

Figure 1
Which of the following explain about the stability of the cans?
A
B
C
D
2

P is more stable than Q.

Q is more stable than P.
P and Q have the same stability.
P and Q have different centre of gravity.

The figure 2 shows three wooden blocks P, Q and R arranged on a plank to study the
stability of objects.

Wooden blocks

Lifted up

P
X

plank

Figure 2
Which of the following will happen to the wooden block if the plank is lifted up at X?
A
B
C
D

P will topple first because it is the nearest to X.

R will topple last as it has the lowest centre of gravity.
P will topple first because it has the smallest base area.
P, Q and R will topple at the same time because they have square base.

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PROGRAM SOLAR 2010

The Figure 3 shows block X placed on two wooden legs.

Block X

Legs

Figure 3
Which of the following ways can make it more stable?
A
B
C
D
4

A small boat is carrying three fishermen. Which of the following is the most stable
condition?
A
B
C
D

The weight
The height
The stability
The strength

Which of the following factor to consider to increase the stability of a racing car?
A
B
C
D

All three fishermen sit in the boat.

All three fishermen stand in the boat.
Two fishermen stand the other one fisherman sit.
One of fisherman stand the other two fishermen sit.

Which of the following will be affected when the position of the centre of gravity of
an object is adjusted?
A
B
C
D

Use bigger and longer legs

Use the lighter block and the longer legs
Spread the legs wider and use heavier block
Make the legs shorter and spread them wider

Size of the car.

Type of the tyre.
Height of the car.
Type of the material.

Giraffes stand with their four legs spread apart when drink water to
I increase the base area
II lower the centre of gravity
III increase the strength of the front legs
A
B
C

I and II
I and III
II and III

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PROGRAM SOLAR 2010

D
I, II and III
Which situation applies the principle of stability?
I
II
III
IV

A ropewalker performing his action in a circus using a balance beam

Science apparatus have large base area
A racing car is design to be low
A man walking with a stick

A
B
C
D
9

I only
I and II only
I, II and III only
I, II, III and IV

Which of the following are the factors that will effect the stability of an object?
I The base area of the object
II The centre of gravity of the object
III The magnitude of the gravitational force that acts on the object
A
B
C
D

10

I and II
I and III
II and III
I, II and III

The figure 4 shows a ropewalker performing his action in a circus.

Long pole

What is the function holding a long pole?

A
B
C
D

To show his talent

To increase his stability
To decrease his base area
To increase his centre of gravity

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PROGRAM SOLAR 2010

SECTION B

1 Diagram below shows a wooden block.

(i)

Suggest a way to make the wooden block more stable by drawing in the
space given below.

(1
mark)
(ii)
How can you make the model become more stable.
1
2.
(2 marks)
(b)

Model A, B and C in the diagram have the same height.

A
(i)

Which object is most stable ?

.

(ii)

Which object is least stable ?

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PROGRAM SOLAR 2010

.
(2 marks)
2
0

(a)

Circle the number that is in equilibrium point for the above diagram.
(1 mark)

(b)

What is the point of equilibrium ?

.
(1 mark)

(c)

Draw lines to show the point of equilibrium for each shapes given
below and mark X as it point of equilibrium.

(4 marks)
(d)

Name two objects in yours class that is in equilibrium.

i ..
ii ..
(2 marks)

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