Chapter 9: Bodies In Equilibrium: Elasticity and Fracture
Puzzles



1.  

"Walking Tall"

This puzzle is provided by Dr. David Smith, a physics professor at the University of the Virgin Islands and an accomplished stilt walker.

The pictures below show Dave and Demoise in static equilibrium before and after Dave extends his arms. (Before you call Social Services, be advised that Demoise loved doing this!) The point of contact between the stilts and floor did not change as Dave extended his arms.

Consider the following three cases?

  1. Static case with arms not extended (first picture.)
    Theoretically, could this position be maintained on a frictionless surface?

  2. Static case with arms extended (second picture.)
    Theoretically, could this position be maintained on a frictionless surface?

  3. Transition between the static positions, Dave extends his arms and moves Demoise outward.
    Theoretically, could this move be accomplished on a frictionless surface?

Type your answer into the box and click the submit button.


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