Large cranes have stabilizers that extend beyond the wheels of the machines.If a crane has stabilizers that extend out by the width of the machine,by what factor can the load be increased before it tips over? Assume that the center of gravity of the crane without the load is in the middle of the crane.
A)1
B)2
C)3
D)4

Question

Large cranes have stabilizers that extend beyond the wheels of the machines.If a crane has stabilizers that extend out by the width of the machine,by what factor can the load be increased before it tips over? Assume that the center of gravity of the crane without the load is in the middle of the crane. 
A)1 
B)2 
C)3 
D)4

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the stabilizers are extended by the width of the machine, the width of the base is tripled. According to the principle of stability, the stability of a structure increases as the base widens. Therefore, the load that can be lifted before the crane tips over will increase by a factor of 3. Thus, the correct answer is option C)3.

Large Cranes Have Stabilizers That Extend Beyond the Wheels of the Machines.If