Problem

Predict/Explain A piece of sheet metal of mass M is cut into the shape of a right triangle...

Predict/Explain A piece of sheet metal of mass M is cut into the shape of a right triangle, as shown in Figure 9-18. A vertical dashed line is drawn on the sheet at the point where the mass to the left of the line (M/2) is equal to the mass to the right of the line (also M/2). The sheet is now placed on a fulcrum just under the dashed line and released from rest. (a) Does the metal sheet remain level, tip to the left, or tip to the right? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following:

I. Equal mass on either side will keep the metal sheet level.
II. The metal sheet extends for a greater distance to the left, which shifts the center of mass to the left of the dashed line.
III. The center of mass is to the right of the dashed line because the metal sheet is thicker there.