Locate support in a static model

Supplied materials

• Paper or a text document; all cases below are original fictional learning inputs.
• An adult may read aloud; drawing or spoken answers are valid. No personal health information or physical performance is required.
• The paper block’s base runs from 0 to 4 units. Its weight line reaches 2, inside the base with room on each side, so the simple model resists tipping in either direction. If the line moves to 5, it falls outside the support and suggests tipping. These are drawn units and predictions for an idealized stationary block, not instructions for a learner’s body.
• A base spans 0 to 6; the weight line reaches 3. Which fits?
• A base spans 0 to 6; the weight line reaches 6. Which fits?
• A base spans 0 to 6; the weight line reaches 7. Which fits?
• A weight arrow is drawn, but no base is shown. What fits?
• A base spans 2 to 8; the line reaches 5. Which fits?
• A base spans 2 to 8; the line reaches 1. Which fits?

Learn the idea

An idealized object is more stable against tipping when its weight’s vertical line falls inside its supporting base. This is a simple static physics model. Real moving bodies use muscles, changing supports and many additional factors.

Draw the base as a segment and the weight line as a vertical arrow. Check whether the arrow reaches inside, at the edge or outside the segment. A line at the edge has no margin in that direction; outside suggests tipping in the simple model.

Use objects drawn on paper, not a balance challenge. Do not stand on one foot, lean over edges or copy a risky pose. Seated explanation is valid. The diagram does not diagnose balance or prove anyone’s physical stability.

1. Read or listen to the pretend story. Point to the details the question gives you.
2. Draw the base and the downward weight line. See whether the line meets the base inside, at an edge, or outside; this is a paper model.
3. Check your answer against the example. Say what matches and what you would change.
4. Try the practice questions, then the extra task. Drawing or spoken answers are welcome.

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Take it further

Draw a block base 0 to 8 with weight lines at 4,8 and 9. Expected: inside, edge, outside; state that this paper model is not a physical balance test.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.