Week 6 - Balance

Question 1

Define balance

Answer 1

The ability to control equilibrium, achieved through stability

Question 2

How do we balance the CoG

Answer 2

Centre of gravity over a base of support

Question 3

Define stability

Answer 3

The tendency of a body to remain or return to its initial position following application of force

Question 4

What does passive stability depend on

Answer 4

Weight (>)
Area of base(>)
Horizontal distance from CoG to pivot (>)
Height of CoG above base (<)

Question 5

Describe stable equilibrium

Answer 5

Potential energy at minimum
Work must be done to change
Tendency to return to original posture

Question 6

Describe unstable equilibrium

Answer 6

Potential energy near maximum
Very little work needed for change
Small movement takes gravity line outside base

Question 7

Describe neutral equilibrium

Answer 7

Object moves but no change
Small base of support but doesn’t matter

Question 8

How do humans remain stable

Answer 8

Muscular forces to remain balanced causes dynamic equilibrium

Question 9

How can humans control their stability

Answer 9

Active control of shape of limbs
Increase mass
Shift CoG towards force