1J20.15 Block on Cylinder

1J20.15 Block on the Cylinder

A rectangular block of wood is placed on a cylinder first with the width less than the radius (stable) and then with the width greater (unstable).

A short pine block made of two-by-four lumber is balanced on top of a short cylinder. The cylinder is oriented with its circular face toward the camera, and it is cradled in a short wooden block, cut with a wedge to fit the cylinder. The top block's long axis is parallel to the direction of roll, and it is oriented so that the largest surface area possible makes contact with the cylinder's length. In this orientation, the top block balances nicely on the cylinder.

Stable

A short pine block made of two-by-four lumber is balanced on top of a short cylinder. The cylinder is oriented with its circular face toward the camera, and it is cradled in a short wooden block, cut with a wedge to fit the cylinder. The top block's long axis is parallel to the direction of roll. It is oriented so that the smallest surface area possible makes contact with the cylinder. The top block therefore tipped over, and the left edge is touching the table.

Unstable

Location: Cylinder: B1-3; Block: H1-6