[Phys-l] Shaky Table Spoiler.

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

> You are sitting at a  wobbly table with four legs that can sit flush
>   on a plane surface    i.e. the table has four identical  leg lengths .
>   how can you stop it rocking on the restaurant floor?
> (for reasonable floor smoothness and gradient)
> The obvious method, a folded table napkin, is not desired.

I realize that I have allowed this topic to long outlast
 its welcome. But I found the wobbly table  solution
so enthralling,  that I am impelled to share it here
 (it's a theorem that's less  than 50 years old, so may
still have some novelty math value...)

Sp;oiler ahead:
For reasonable 4 leg tables or chairs, and reasonable floors
on which they wobble, how to cure?
.

.

.


Rotate the wobbly item, usually less than +/- 45 degrees....

DaDaa!


Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!