GRAVITY

Density and Specific Gravity

The lightness and heaviness of a matter is measured in terms of density. Density () is defined as the ratio of mass (m) to volume (v).

=m/v
The unit is kgm

Specific gravity or Relative density is defined as the ratio of the mass of any volume of substance to the mass of an equal volume of water. Density of bioproducts : Bone Blood Water Oxygen 1600 kgm 1050 kgm 996 kgm 1.43 kgm

A hydrometer is used to find the sp. Gravity of a liquid ,used in pathological labs.

Center of Gravity
Every body is considered to be made up of large number of particles. Each particle is attracted towards the center of the earth by the gravitational force. These forces are equal and parallel. The resultant of all these forces can be considered to be acting at a fixed point in the body ,known as center of gravity ( CG ). The weight of all body passes through it. Even the body is displaced ; the of center of gravity does not change. CG of a body is defined as the point through which the weight of the body acts irrespective of the position of body. CG depends on size & shape of the body.

States of Equilibrium
When a rigid body is supported at its CG ,the body is in equilibrium.
3 states of equilibrium are :

1.

Stable equilibrium : A body is in stable equilibrium if it comes to its

original position ,when it is slightly displaced. e.x Funnel standing on its base.

2.

Unstable equilibrium : A body is unstable ,if it does not come back to its
original position ,when it is slightly displaced. e.x Funnel standing on its stem.

3.

Neutral equilibrium : When a body is displaced ,it neither come back to its original position nor moves away from it ,but occupies a new position similar to its original position. In this CG of body remains at same height. e.x a funnel standing on its side.

Conditions of the stability of an object

The positions of the CG of a body determines the stability.

For stability :
1. 2. The objects should have broad base. CG should be low as possible.

3.

The vertical line drawn from the center of gravity should fall within the
base.

# CG for human body vary in different positions as movements cause

alterations in the distribution of the bodys mass.

# CG depends upon proportions and wt. distribution of individual. # In anatomical position ,CG passes infront of 2nd sacral vertebrae body.

Effects of gravity in human body

1. 2. 3. When standing erect. Carrying load on back. Carrying a water bucket.

4. Climbing hill. Applications of gravity on nursing 1. 2. 3. Blood circulation Brain operation In pregnancy

4. I.V infusions and transfusions 5. During fractures