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Edexcel International A Level Maths: Mechanics 2

Revision Notes

Home / International A Level / Maths: Mechanics 2 / Edexcel / Revision Notes / 2. Centres of Mass / 2.1 Centres of Mass / 2.1.6 Point of Tipping


2.1.6 Point of Tipping


Point of Tipping

What is meant by point of tipping/toppling?

  • These types of problems involve a lamina being placed along one of its edges on a rough inclined plane
  • The (main) modelling assumption here is that the frictional force between the plane and the lamina is sufficient such that the lamina will not slide (or slip) down the plane (regardless of the angle of incline)

2-1-6--fig4-tipping

How do I solve tipping/toppling problems?

                 STEP 1   Sketch or add anything useful to a given diagram

  Define axes if necessary and add these to your diagram

          • make the x-axis parallel to the plane
          • make the y-axis perpendicular to the plane
          • have the origin (O) at the vertex of the lamina that is in contact with the plane and closest to the point where the plane meets the horizontal (“bottom left”)
          • Add to the diagram as you progress through the question

                 STEP 2   Find the position of the centre of mass (G) of the lamina; use your diagram, 

                                 axes and symmetry (where possible) to help 

                                 The lamina may be a standard shape or a composite lamina

   Add the position of the centre of mass to your diagram; also add a downward

   vertical line (that weight  acts through) but you cannot use your diagram to

   accurately determine whether the lamina will topple

                STEP 3   Use trigonometry (A new diagram of a right-angled triangle with OG as the

                                hypotenuse can help) to determine the angle at which the lamina would be

                                on the point of tipping

                 STEP 4   Interpret the result in the context of the problem and answer the question accordingly

Worked Example

A symmetrical T-shaped lamina is made from two congruent 12 cm by 4 cm rectangles manufactured from the same uniform material.

The lamina is placed on a plane inclined at an angle of theta degree, as shown below.

2-1-6-we-diagram-ial-mech

Determine the maximum angle that the plane can be raised to before the lamina will topple.  You may assume that the frictional force between the lamina and the plane is sufficient to prevent the lamina sliding down the plane.

BDM4yIxh_2-1-6-fig5-we-solution

Exam Tip

  • Whilst a diagram (sketched or given) will help you work through the stages of your solution, you cannot rely on it to accurately determine whether the (downward vertical) line that weight acts through passes through the edge of the lamina in contact with the plane.
  • If defining your own axes, have the x-axis and the y-axis parallel and perpendicular to the plane, with the origin on the “bottom left” vertex of the lamina.


  • 1. Kinematics (Straight Line Motion)
    • 1.1 Variable Acceleration - 1D
      • 1.1.1 Using Calculus in 1D
      • 1.2 Variable Acceleration - 2D
        • 1.2.1 Using Calculus in 2D
        • 1.3 Projectiles
          • 1.3.1 Horizontal & Vertical Components
            • 1.3.2 Using suvat
              • 1.3.3 Equation of a Trajectory
                • 1.3.4 Deriving Projectile Formulae
              • 2. Centres of Mass
                • 2.1 Centres of Mass
                  • 2.1.1 Particles
                    • 2.1.2 Uniform Laminas
                      • 2.1.3 Composite Laminas
                        • 2.1.4 Frameworks
                          • 2.1.5 Objects Suspended in Equilibrium
                            • 2.1.6 Point of Tipping
                              • 2.1.7 Non-unform Objects & Other Problems
                            • 3. Work and Energy
                              • 3.1 Work & Energy
                                • 3.1.1 Work
                                  • 3.1.2 Energy
                                    • 3.1.3 Energy Principles
                                    • 3.2 Power
                                      • 3.2.1 Power
                                    • 4. Collisions
                                      • 4.1 Collisions
                                        • 4.1.1 Impulse in 2D
                                          • 4.1.2 Collisions - Multiple Collisions
                                            • 4.1.3 Coefficient of Restitution
                                          • 5. Moments
                                            • 5.1 Statics of Rigid Bodies
                                              • 5.1.1 Using Moments - Harder


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                                            Author: Paul

                                            Paul has taught mathematics for 20 years and has been an examiner for Edexcel for over a decade. GCSE, A level, pure, mechanics, statistics, discrete – if it’s in a Maths exam, Paul will know about it. Paul is a passionate fan of clear and colourful notes with fascinating diagrams – one of the many reasons he is excited to be a member of the SME team.


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