Stability and Center of Mass in Structures Steps: - Stability of a tower depends on its base width and center of mass position; a wide base and low center of mass prevent tipping. - For a play tower, tipping occurs when the center of mass falls outside the base under tilt. - Lowering the center of mass requires a larger tilt angle to cause tipping, increasing stability. - Evaluate options: only lowering the center of mass directly improves this balance. Why C is correct: - Lowering the center of mass increases stability because the torque needed to tip the tower (from gravity acting through the center of mass) requires a greater angle of tilt, per the principle of equilibrium. Why the others are wrong: - A: Making the tower narrower reduces the base width, allowing easier tipping as the center of mass shifts outside the base sooner. - B: Making the tower taller typically raises the center of mass, decreasing stability by enabling tipping at smaller angles. - D: Raising the center of mass lowers stability by making the tower …