Essential University Physics: Volume 1 (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-134-98855-8
ISBN 13: 978-0-13498-855-9

Chapter 12 - For Thought and Discussion - Page 214: 2

Answer

The center of gravity accounts for the distance.

Work Step by Step

When leaning over, the person is picking the object up far from their center of gravity, which exerts a greater torque on their body. However, squatting with your back vertical leaves your center of mass far closer to the object you are attempting to pick up, causing a lesser torque to be exerted on your body as you attempt to pick it up.
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