center of gravity Flashcards
What is meant by the centre of gravity?
The centre of gravity is the point at which the entire weight of an object appears to act.
Explain how to determine the position of the centre of gravity of a plane lamina using a plumb line.
Suspend the lamina freely from a point and allow it to settle. Hang a plumb line from the same point and draw its vertical line on the lamina. Repeat this from a different suspension point. The intersection of the lines is the centre of gravity.
How does the position of the centre of gravity affect the stability of simple objects?
An object with a low centre of gravity and a wide base is more stable, while an object with a high centre of gravity and a narrow base is less stable.
[Alternate-to-Practical] Why is it necessary to use a plumb line when finding the centre of gravity of a plane lamina?
The plumb line shows the vertical line through the suspension point, helping locate the exact position of the centre of gravity.
[Alternate-to-Practical] A uniform rectangular lamina is balanced on a sharp edge placed under its midpoint. What does this indicate about the centre of gravity?
The centre of gravity lies at the midpoint because the weight is evenly distributed.
[Alternate-to-Practical] Describe a method to test the stability of an object experimentally.
Tilt the object slightly and observe if it returns to its original position (stable), stays in its new position (neutral), or topples over (unstable).
What is a practical application of understanding the centre of gravity in real life?
Engineers design vehicles with low centres of gravity to improve stability and prevent tipping during sharp turns.
Why is it easier to balance a wide base object than a narrow base object?
A wide base increases the stability by lowering the risk of the line of action of the weight falling outside the base area.
