Centre of Gravity and Circular Motion

Question 1

centre of gravity also known as

Answer 1

centre of mass

Question 2

centre of gravity means

Answer 2

the point in which an object has its mas and weight evenly distributed, (the position in a body where gravity seems to act)

Question 3

method to determine the centre of gravity of a irregular shaped object

Answer 3

• make an irregular shape
• use paper clip to puncture a hole through one of its edges
• use a clamp and stand to hang your shape (through the clip)
• use a plumb line against it and mark the line with a pencil
• use a ruler to recreate the line where it was marked
• repeat the experiment a few times by puncturing another edge of the shape
• once you’ve finished, notice the 2 lines will meet, forming the centre of gravity

Question 4

the position of an object affects its stability

Answer 4

• the object is much more stable if the COG is low to the ground and has a wide base, this will make it hard to topple over
• if the base is small and the COG is no longer above the base (is direct to the ground) it is said to be unstable therefore, likely to topple over

Question 5

centripetal force

Answer 5

what keeps an object in its circular path

Question 6

even when speed is constant

Answer 6

the velocity is changing (as changes direction)

Question 7

to increase the centripetal force

Answer 7

increase speed
increase mass
decrease the radius of the trajectory