Anthony Carfagno

and

Jordan Catagnus

Sections 10.3-10.4: Locating the Center of Gravity and Toppling

The center of gravity is the midpoint, an objects geometric center

The center of gravity is the balance pointSupporting that single point supports the

whole object

What is the center of gravity?

If you suspend an object at a single point, the center of gravity will hang directly below (or at) the point of suspension

The locate an objects center of gravity, create a vertical line beneath the point of suspension.The center of gravity lies somewhere along

that line

Locating the Center of Gravity

The center of gravity of an object may be located where no actual material exists

The center of gravity of a ring is in the geometric center where no matter actually exists

The same applies to a basketball, a bowl or cup.

No Actual Center of Gravity

If the CG of an object is above the area of support, the object will stay upright.

If the CG of an object is to move outside the area of support, the object will topple over. For example, double-decker buses undergo

tilt tests to see if they can endure different variations of weight placement, and also to see how it will affect the center of gravity.

What is toppling?

Cite an example of an object that has a CG where no physical material exists.

Why does the leaning tower of Pisa not topple?

Question 1: A ring.Question 2: Its CG does not extend beyond

its base.