Final answer:
A tractor will not roll over if its center of gravity remains within its base of stability. If the center of gravity is displaced outside this base, gravitational torque can cause the tractor to roll over. Stability is maintained by the position of the center of gravity relative to the base of support.
Step-by-step explanation:
A tractor will not roll over as long as its center of gravity (CG) remains within the base of stability. This principle is related to concepts in physics that deal with equilibrium and torque.
When a tractor is in operation, the key to maintaining stability is ensuring that the CG stays over the area supported by the tractor's wheels, which form the base of stability.
If the CG stays within this area, any gravitational torque that arises due to a tilt or displacement will cause the tractor to rotate back to its original position, thus preventing it from rolling over. However, if the CG moves outside the area of support, the gravitational torque will rotate the tractor in the direction of the displacement, increasing the likelihood of a rollover.
Riding a bicycle provides a practical example of these principles. To maintain stability while turning, a cyclist must lean at an angle that keeps the force exerted by the ground in line with the center of gravity. This is accomplished through the resolution of forces on the bicycle wheel into friction, which provides centripetal force, and the vertical normal force, which balances the system's weight.
Similarly, a traffic cone on its base is in stable equilibrium because any displacement causes the CG to remain over its base, returning it to its original position. On the contrary, a traffic cone on its tip is in unstable equilibrium because any displacement shifts the CG outside its base, causing it to fall.