Chapter 8: Torque And Center Of Gravity Flashcards
What is the distance between the center on gravity and the force called?
Moment arm
When does an object rotate about an axis
If an unbalanced force acts on an object at rest and
- The force doesn’t act along the center of mass of the object
- The object is fixed at a certain spot
- Another force is also acting, but at a different spot on the object
What is the center of gravity
Single point where all of Fg is acting
Where can the center of gravity be located
Inside the physical object or outside the physical object
What allows you to locate the objects center of gravity
Balancing the object
When the only force acting on an object is gravitational force, how is the object put into mechanical equilibrium
Single upward force acting at the center of gravity
Where is a stable objects center of gravity located
Vertically aligned with it’s base
If an object is tipped a small amount, what happens?
Gravity applies a restoring torque that rotates the object back into it’s original position
What happens when the object is tipped a large amount
The center of gravity is on the other side of the edge. Gravity applies a toppling torque that rotates the object to a new orientation
What term is used to describe an object that is hard to tip over
It has a high degree of stability
What are the characteristics of an object with a high degree of stability
Large base
Low center of gravity
Why do the characteristics of a high degree of stability object make sene
The object must be rotated through a large angle before the center of gravity is moved out away from the base
Describe the stability of objects that have their center of mass under the point of support
High degree of stability
Any displacement of the object causes gravity to torque the center of gravity back down under the support
