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Physics Guru is an online education and competitive examinations preparation portal founded by Manish Verma, an IIT Madras alumnus, providing learning resources for competitive examinations.

The emphasis is on conceptual understanding, analytical thinking and problem solving rather than simply memorising formulas and standard methods.

The objective is to help students understand what they are learning and develop the ability to solve problems they have not seen before.

The Physics of Potbellies

Question

A fat man trying to touch his toes while keeping his legs straight is more inclined to fall in comparison to a lean man. True/False
Physics ~ Rotational Equilibrium

Answer

True. A man with a prominent abdominal bulge may have his centre of mass displaced farther forward while bending to touch his toes with his legs straight. This can increase the perpendicular distance between the line of action of his weight and the ankle joints, thereby increasing the gravitational torque. Consequently, maintaining rotational equilibrium becomes more difficult, increasing the likelihood of falling forward.