What is centre of mass?
In GCSE physics, the centre of mass is a single point at which the weight force acts on an object.
Weight is a force that acts on an object with mass when placed in a gravitational field. The weight force acts from an object’s centre of mass. This is important to remember when you are drawing force diagrams.
Objects with a low centre of mass are more stable than objects with a high centre of mass. More stable objects are less likely to topple.
If the centre of mass lies outside the base of an object, for example, if an object is tilted, then the object will topple.
You don’t specifically need to know about the centre of mass if you are studying Edexcel, WJEC or OCR Gateway GCSE Physics, but it helps to have a brief understanding of the concept. For AQA GCSE Physics, you may be assessed on the centre of mass in your exams.
Centre of mass revision resources to ace your exams
You can strengthen your understanding of centre of mass by using our revision notes tailored specifically for the AQA exam board. You can practice forces questions and calculations with helpful guidance and examiner tips using our exam board specific GCSE Physics exam questions.
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Written by Leander Oates
Physics19 articlesLeander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.
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