The Physics of Stacking - PhysLab

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The Physics of Stacking

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Student Manual

In this experiment, we will explore a problem popularly known as "The Leaning Tower of Lire" in mathematical literature. This involves creating a mathematical model in order to determine the arrangement of stacking blocks in a manner that maximizes the overhang, which is essentially a measure of how much a stack leans outward.

This seemingly simple problem will help you realize the challenge of attaining stability in various designs. Popularly, this is used in modeling bridges and arches. You will see how the stability of a structure is governed by carefully tinkering with the center of mass which you will explore hands-on in this experiment. You will also make use of mathematical induction and realize how it is a powerful tool in arriving at a mathematical model that assists us in solving physical problems.

Sample Results Projections
Data for books’ overhang
Experiment Code 1.31

Further Readings and References

  • The Physics of Stacking Books
    In Praise of Simple Physics: The Science and Mathematics Behind Everyday Questions, Jhonson, Paul B., 92-102, (2016).
  • Leaning Tower of Lire
    American Journal of Physics, Jhonson, Paul B., 23 (4), 240, (1955).

Pictorial Procedure


Lab 1 | Tags: mathematics, mechanics
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Overview
    • Centre for Experimental Physics Education (CEPE)
    • Physlab Team
    • Physlab Guidebook
    • Alumni
    • Open Positions
    • Muhammad Sabieh Anwar (Personal)
  • Academics
    • Lab Courses
    • Lab-I (ENGG-100/PHY-100/200)
    • Lab-II (PHY 300/500)
    • AstroLAB
    • Ibn Sahl Corner for Optics
    • Fast Optics
    • Smart Physics
    • Single Photon Quantum Mechanics Lab
    • Chasing Cosmic Ray Muons at Physlab
    • Stories
    • Physics Studio
    • Research Stories
    • Class Activities
    • Courses Taught
    • Class Demonstrations
    • PhysDiary
    • Health and Safety
    • Lab Safety
    • Workplace Organization
  • Research
    • Research Themes
    • Research Internships
    • Research Stories
    • Physics WorldCup
      • International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) 2019
      • International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) 2018
      • International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) 2016
    • Hunerkada
    • Grants
    • Theses and Reports
    • Scientific Publications
    • Invited Talks (Selected)
  • Outreach
    • Media
      • Lectures, Podcasts and Interviews
      • Videobytes
      • YouTube Channel
      • Visitors
      • Testimonials
    • The Scientific Mind Through the Eyes of a Physics Experimenter
    • National Laboratory Immersion Program
      • First Lahore 2012
      • Second Sukkur 2013
      • Third Lahore 2014
      • Fourth Lahore 2016
    • Labview Workshop 2016
    • Open house
      • 2009-2015
      • Open house 2023
    • Khwarizmi Science Society
    • Helping Pakistan’s Universities
      • National University of Technology (NUTECH) 2019
      • Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences
        (PIEAS) 2019 (Final Phase)
      • Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences
        (PIEAS) 2019 (Phase 2)
      • Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences
        (PIEAS) 2018 (Phase 1)
      • National University of Science & Technology 2016
      • Habib University 2014
      • Preston University 2013
      • Ghulam Ishaque Khan Institute of
        Engineering Sciences and Technology 2011
      • Institute of Space Technology 2010
    • The National STEM School
      • STEM School (2018 – 2019)
      • STEM school (2016 – 2017)
    • Abdus Salam Memorial Lecture Series
  • Facilities
    • Laboratories
    • Equipments
    • Devices & Softwares
      • PhysPlot
      • Physlogger
      • Phystrack
    • Mechanical Workshop
    • Inventory
    • 3D Printed Galleria
    • Forms
    • Equipment Howto’s
  • PhysGPT
  • Contact Us