Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A rock flows under a stress of about , and its density is . Find the greatest height of a mountain of this rock on the Earth (), on Mars () and on the Moon ().
Safety factor breaking stress largest working stress. A beam on two supports with a load at its middle sags . Rock at the base of a mountain of height carries a stress , which limits to .
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Earth. .
Step 2. Mars. .
Step 3. Moon. .
Answer: About , and .
Check. Olympus Mons on Mars is about high, close to the Martian limit.
Watch out. This is a rough limit: real mountains rest on a crust that sinks and spreads.
Log in to join the discussion.
Loading…