Centre of Gravity
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 1.7.2
Centre of Mass - Examples
Although the mass of an object is spread out across its body, it is possible to find a single point where all of the mass appears to be. This point is called the object’s centre of mass. The centre of gravity means the same thing as the centre of mass.
All in a single point
- The centre of mass is the point through which an object’s weight appears to act.
Hanging objects
- If an object is hung from a string, it will hang with its centre of mass directly below the point that it is hung from.
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Toppling over
- An object will fall over if its centre of mass is outside its base.
- An object will fall off a surface if its centre of mass isn’t over the surface.
Test yourself on Centre of Gravity
When will an object topple?
Which of the following are true of an object's centre of mass?
The centre of mass...
Why shouldn't lots of people stand on the top deck of a bus?