Physics problem: pushing a wheel over a step

How big is the force we need to apply to a wheel to push it over a step? In this video I explain my approach to solving this Physics problem.

About me: I studied Physics at the University of Cambridge, then stayed on to get a PhD in Astronomy. During my PhD, I also spent four years teaching Physics undergraduates at the university.

#physics #maths #mechanics #statics #forces #resolving #equilibrium

[YohannesAssefa-wkoo]

i know this question from "ordinary level physics" .And it took me 2 weeks to solve when i was grade 10 after learning about torque. Because there was no internet back then to get answer quickly

[somroy]

it was hard for me to understand it with torque . Your video really helped me understand it with simple forces .

[brunopereira]

what happens if the force - contact point between the ball and the force - is not in the center but a bit above?

[mohammaddanishsiddiqui]

I have this doubt that what u did here is that u made the ball loose the contact with ground, but u haven't checked that if the force is enough to make the wheel climb over the step?? I felt like there's a need to conserve energy bw the points when ball is on ground and climbs up

[sayanjitb]

I solved it by taking torque about the point of contact at the height h.

[TheSunshineRequiem]

what happens if it’s a bump instead of a step and the wheel never leaves the ground, normal force would be varying as it climbs up?

[hiyzvsm]

What happens if F is larger than the calculated value in the video?

[ProdigyNa]

But you can't Count N at equilibrium

[RizveAhmed]

can you solve some physics questions for me?