Centre of Gravity (Cambridge O Level Physics)

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Centre of Gravity

  • The centre of gravity of an object is the point at which the weight of the object may be considered to act
  • For example, for a person standing upright, their centre of gravity is roughly in the middle of the body behind the navel, and for a sphere, it is at the centre
  • For symmetrical objects with uniform density, the centre of gravity is located at the point of symmetry

Centre of Gravity of Differently Shaped Objects

Point of symmetry, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The centre of gravity of a shape can be found by symmetry

 

Stability

Stability

  • The position of the centre of gravity of an object affects its stability
  • An object is stable when its centre of gravity lies above its base

Stability of Objects

Stability, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The object on the right will topple, as its centre of gravity is no longer over its base

 

  • The wider base an object has, the lower its centre of gravity and it is more stable
  • The narrower base an object has, the higher its centre of gravity and the object is more likely to topple over if pushed

Stability of Objects with Different Sized Bases

Stability and base, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The most stable objects have wide bases and low centres of gravity

 

Examiner Tip

Since the centre of gravity is a hypothetical point, it can lie inside or outside of a body. The centre of gravity will constantly shift depending on the shape of a body. For example, a human body’s centre of gravity is lower when learning forward than upright

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Leander

Author: Leander

Expertise: Physics

Leander 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.