Centre of mass

Question 1

What is the COM?

Answer 1

the point located at the objects average position of all the particles of mass that make up that object

Question 2

What is the average position?

Answer 2

The position where all the particles of mass will be at the geometric centre

Question 3

Where might the COM be?

Answer 3

Outside the shape

Question 4

What are the rules of stability?

Answer 4

1. The lower the COM the more stable the object
2. If the line of action is between the base it will be stable

Question 5

COM experiment

Answer 5

1) set up the boss and clamp, and clamp a skewer
2) ensure your shape has at least 4 holes in it so it can be suspended from 4 points
3) hang the shape from one of the holes, then hang the plumb line from the skewer in front of the card
4) draw a line in pencil along the card where the plumb line crosses it
5) repeat steps 3 and 4 from the other 3 holes
6) the place where the lines cross is the COM