Physics Behind the Chair Challenge

Recently there has been a viral challenge going around on social media referred to as "The Chair Challenge." Many have been surprised and confused by it, because while the challenge seems simple enough, it proves to be quite difficult for most boys while seemingly easy for girls.

The challenge requires an individual to:

1. Place a chair sideways along a wall, and then stand next to the chair
2. Bend over the chair at a 90 degree angle and place your head against the wall
3. Try to lift the chair while keeping your head pressed against the wall
4. Once the chair is lifted, straighten your back so that you are standing normally. 

After testing this challenge out with some of my friends, I wondered what prevents most boys from being able to stand up straight.

Using what we have learned this semester in physics, I recognized that center of mass had to play a role in whether or not an individual can stand up straight after lifting the chair. 

For most girls, the center of mass is lower to to the hips, while the center of mass in most boys in much higher. Therefore, when bent over the chair, the center of mass for most girls is above their feet, while the center of mass for most boys is above the chair. 

Because the center of mass is above the chair for most boys, it makes it difficult, if not impossible, for them to stand up straight once the chair is lifted. 

Who knew physics answer the mystery behind this popular viral challenge!