Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 8 - Think and Explain - Page 156-158: 72

Answer

If you stood upright, gravity would pull down on the backpack and topple you backward.

Work Step by Step

When carrying a heavy load on your back, you must lean forward to shift the CG of the system (system = you + load) to be above the support base bounded by your feet. This is discussed on page 143.
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