Question

Is it advisable to stand in a double-decker bus particularly in the upper deck of the bus?

• A. Yes, the increase in height will increase the stability.
• B. No, the increase in height will decrease the stability.
• C. Yes, because centre of gravity will remain constant which yields better stability.
• D. No, because the centre of gravity will be shifted to a lower point.

Answer 1

The correct option is B No, the increase in height will decrease the stability.

Double-decker buses are very tall constructions on a very limited track width.
The stability of any vehicle depends on the location of its centre of gravity. Now, the centre of gravity of any object is an imaginary point within a body at which we can consider the total gravitational forces on the body to be acting.
The higher it is the more likely the object is to topple over if it is pushed.

Now imagine passengers standing on the top deck (instead of sitting). This will shift the centre of gravity to a higher point with respect to the ground, thereby increasing the instability of the vehicle. When the vehicle is on the road such that it is tilted on one of the sides, with a passenger standing on the upper deck, the centre of gravity will be shifted to a higher point with respect to the ground. Thus making the bus more prone to topple over onto its side whose wheels are resting towards the lower end.