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Centre of Mass

Physics: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 1.3.10

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.

All in a single point

All in a single point

  • The centre of mass is the point through which an object’s weight appears to act.
Hanging objects

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.
Toppling over

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 Mass

  • 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?

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