Centre Of Mass And Stability

Question 1

Centre of mass

Answer 1

Point in the body where mass is distributed evenly in all directions

Question 2

Stability

Answer 2

Higher the COM the less stable
Greater the mass the more stable
Base of support: broader the base the more stable
Line of gravity above the base

Question 3

Factors affecting stability

Answer 3

Low centre of mass
Large base of support and points of contact with the ground
Large mass

Question 4

Balanced force

Answer 4

When two or more forces acting on a body are equal in size but opposite in direction. Cancel out

Question 5

Unbalanced force

Answer 5

When two or more forces acting on the body do not cancel out net force acts

Question 6

Net force

Answer 6

Overall force acting on the body

Question 7

Vertical forces

Answer 7

Weight acts down from COM
Reaction force acts up from point of contact

Question 8

Horizontal forces

Answer 8

Friction opposes sliding motion of one surface across another, goes forward
Air resistance: acts agains direction of motion

Question 9

Factors affecting friction

Answer 9

Temperature
Weight
Characteristics of footwear
Characteristics of playing surface