Center of gravity

Definition

The center of gravity is the point where the total weight of a body or system is considered to be concentrated. It is the average location of the weight distribution and plays a crucial role in analyzing equilibrium and stability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The center of gravity can be outside the physical bounds of an object.
2. In uniform gravitational fields, the center of mass and center of gravity coincide.
3. The position of the center of gravity affects an object's stability; lower centers result in more stability.
4. In equilibrium, an object remains balanced if its center of gravity is above its base of support.
5. Shifting the mass distribution changes the location of the center of gravity.

Review Questions

• How does shifting mass within an object affect its center of gravity?
• What is the relationship between an object's stability and its center of gravity?
• Where is the center of gravity located in a uniform gravitational field?

Related terms

Equilibrium:

A state where all forces and torques acting upon a system are balanced, resulting in no net motion.

Torque:

A measure of how much a force acting on an object causes it to rotate, calculated as $\tau = rF \sin(\theta)$.

Center of Mass:

The point representing the mean position of the matter in a body or system.