MCQ Detailed View

A tight-rope walker carries a long pole held horizontally across the body to help maintain balance while walking on a narrow rope. The main scientific reason behind this is related to the concept of center of gravity and rotational stability.

When a person stands or walks, their balance depends on keeping their center of gravity directly above their base of support. For a tight-rope walker, the base (the rope) is extremely narrow, which makes balancing very difficult. The long pole helps by increasing the walker's moment of inertia, which is the resistance of a body to changes in its rotational motion.

By holding a long pole, the walker increases the mass distributed further from the central body. This makes the system slower to rotate and wobble, which provides more time to make corrective movements and regain balance. Additionally, the pole helps to keep the center of gravity low and more stable, making it easier to stay directly above the rope.

Let’s analyze the options:

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  Option A is incorrect — the pole is not meant to prop the walker if they fall.

  
  


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  Option B is incorrect — the pole does not reduce pressure on the rope.

  
  


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  Option C is also wrong — the rope’s tightness is managed separately, not by the walker’s pole.

  
  


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  Option D is correct — the pole helps maintain the center of gravity vertically above the rope, which is essential for balance.

  
  

In summary, the long pole is a balancing aid that enhances rotational stability and helps the tight-rope walker control their center of gravity. This is a fundamental concept in Physics related to equilibrium and mechanics.

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