PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1.A book is at rest on a

tabletop.
2.An egg is free-falling from a
nest in a tree. Neglect air
resistance.
Center of Gravity
 What is the Center of Gravity, CG?
The point in which gravity appears to be
acting
The point at which an object behaves as if all its weight
were concentrated there
The point at which an object can be balanced
What is the Center of Mass, CM?
is the point in a body or system of bodies at which
the whole mass may be considered as concentrated
For every objects, the Center of Gravity is the same as the Center of Mass
 Locating the Center of Gravity

Uniform objects (meter stick) Locate the center of

gravity using symmetry. The center of gravity for a
uniform object will be the exact geometric center.
 Irregularly shaped objects (broom) you can
locate the center of gravity experimentally.
- Using a plumb line, you can suspend the
object from various points (2 or more) and trace the
plumb lines location each time.
 Locating the Center of Gravity
Irregularly shaped objects
Center of Gravity

2
3
 Locating the Center of Gravity
On an object of irregular shape, the center of
gravity will be closer to the heavier end.
 Why do we care about the center of gravity?
The degree of stability in an objects position
depends on how much its center of gravity will be
changed if moved.
When the center of gravity of a body lies below point of
suspension or support it is said to be in Stable Equilibrium.
When the center of gravity of a body lies above the point of
suspension or support, the body is said to be in Unstable
Equilibrium.
When the center of gravity of a body lies at the point of
suspension or support, the body is said to be in Neutral
Equilibrium.
BALANCING ACTS
 SUMMARY
The Center of Gravity, CG of an objet is the
point at the center of its weight distribution.
An object will remain upright if its CG is
above the area of support.
An object is in stable equilibrium when any
displacement raises its CG.
 APPLICATION
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Does not topple over
because its CG lies
above its base.
As long as the CG
of an object is above
its support, it will
not fall over.
 APPLICATION
What object shape will be the most stable
(least likely to tip over)?
Objects with wide bases and low centers of
gravity are more stable and least likely to tip over

The CGs of three

trucks parked on a hill
are shown by the Xs in
the figure. Which
truck(s) will topple
over?
 APPLICATION

1. Why do you think humans are less

stable than a four-legged
mammals?
2. Why are race cars built closer to
the ground than any other types of
cars?
QUIZ TIME
 ANSWER
1. Where is the CG of a donut?
 ANSWER
2. Can an object have more than one CG?
> NO. But the CG of an object can change
position
 ANSWER
3. Indicate which of the
following tractors will topple
over in the situations shown
below.
 ANSWER
4-5. Three uniform wood blocks are placed on a
ramp as shown.
A) Indicate the center of mass for each block.
B) Indicate which of the three is least likely to
fall over. Explain your reason for choosing this
block. The CG is over the base