Consider the above experimental design. At the end of the strip, at point $p$, a mass $m$ is attached, the stability of the wooden block above is determined by the angle $θ$ at which the block topples over. It seems that as the angle $θ$, approaches $0$ the block becomes easier to topple over. However, I am struggling to come up with a suitable reason for why.
At all values of the angle $θ$, the distance of the mass $m$ from the centre of the mass remains constant. Hence, the only thing that changes is the area of the strip over the top of the block. So then, is a suitable explanation, that the force downwards by the mass $m$ is distributed over a larger area, making the turning effect of the force less?
Another explanation I have come up with, is that the edge of the block that the strip is over, acts as the pivot for the mass $m$. As the strip angle increases, the distance between $p$ and the pivot actually decreases, therefore making the turning effect of the force less. Is this suitable?
I am looking for a sound physics explanation for the phenomena above. My attempts at explanations do not seem correct.
