A-LEVEL Physics: 4.1.5 & 4.1.6: Centre of Mass (Seneca)

Question 1

What is the ‘Centre of Mass’?

Answer 1

The Centre of Mass of an Object is the Point through which all of an Object’s Weight Appears to Act.

Question 2

Where Will the Centre of Mass be for an Object being Hung from a String?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

An Object Will Fall Over if…

Answer 3

Its Centre of Mass is Outside of its Base.

Question 4

When Will an Object Fall Over?

Answer 4

When its Centre of Mass is Outside its Base.

Question 5

An Object Will Fall off a Surface if…

Answer 5

Its Centre of Mass isn’t Over the Surface.

Question 6

When Will an Object Fall off a Surface?

Answer 6

When its Centre of Mass isn’t Over the Surface.

Question 7

The Centre of Mass of a Uniform, Regular, Solid Will be at its…

Answer 7

Centre.

Question 8

Where Will the Centre of Mass be of a Uniform, Regular, Solid?

Answer 8

At its Centre.

Question 9

How Can we Find the Centre of Mass of a Uniform, Regular Solid?

Answer 9

By Drawing all Lines of Symmetry, & Seeing where they all Intersect. This is the Centre of the Object, & is hence where the Centre of Mass of the Object is.