Forces Flashcards
What is the ‘Centre of Mass’ ?
the single point of an object where it will balance
When doing an experiment to find the centre of mass of an irregular shape, what apparatus is needed?
plumbline
cork & pin
retort stand
lamina
Why is a plumbline required?
points vertically downwards
When is an object most stable?
when it has a low centre of mass,
and/or a wide base
What will happen to an object if the centre of mass is NOT directly above the base?
It will topple over.
Why would an empty vase be more stable than a vase full of flowers?
Tall flowers give the vase a high centre of mass which makes it unstable.
What could you do to make the vase of flowers more stable ?
Add some pebbles or sand to the bottom of the vase to give it a low centre of mass.
Why would it be dangerous for all the passengerd to stand upstairs in a double decker bus?
This will give it a high centre of mass which make it less stable.
A force can make an object turn around a fixed point. What is this fixed point called?
a PIVOT
What does the TURNING EFFECT of the force depend on?
The ‘MOMENT’
What is the size of the force?
NEWTON
What is the equation for MOMENT?
MOMENT = FORCE x DISTANCE
What are MOMENTS measured in?
Nm
How are MOMENTS referred to depending on the way that they turn?
CLOCKWISE or ANTICLOCKWISE
