PHYSICS PROJECT

CENTRE OF MASS

CENTRE OF MASS (OR CENTRE OF GRAVITY)

Every object is made up of lots of tiny particles, each with a small gravitational force on it. An object balances when suspended at one particular point, because the gravitational forces have turning effects about the point which cancel out.

FINDING A CENTRE OF MASS

Step1: Use the pin, fix the card at one point. Let it swing freely. When the card is released, the card Turns with the centre of mass is vertically under the pin.

FINDING A CENTRE OF MASS

Step2: Draw a line as shown in the diagram, so the centre of mass lies somewhere along the line.

FINDING A CENTRE OF MASS

Fix the card at different point and repeat the experiment. Another can be drawn as shown in the diagram. The interception is its centre of mass.

 Although the bicycle is very high, the boy can balance it because of the centre of mass.

 The man can balance the screwdriver on his nose because of centre of mass.

Soda Can Trick

It is possible to utilize center of mass to make a soda can balance on an edge. When there is only one-third of the soda left in the can, the soda can be balanced upon one edge because its center of mass would fall within the base of support when tilted.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is able to stand tilted without toppling over because the plumb line drawn from its center of mass is within the base of support. Interestingly enough, the tower's lean is a result of the tower's weak foundation from unstable subsoil. Historians, mathmaticians, and engineers from around the world throughout history have attempted to stabilize the tower and keep it from toppling. As of now, the Leaning Tower is standing in stability.

Balancing Birds
The masses of the balancing birds are strategically distributed on their wings so that the masses of the wings equal to the masses of their tails and bodies. The even distribution of mass at their beaks makes the beaks the center of masses. The birds will balance and rotate on any solid object until its torque restores it to its stationary position.

States of equilibrium

Stable Equilibrium

A body is in stable equilibrium if it returns to its equilibrium position after it has been displaced slightly.

States of equilibrium

Unstable Equilibrium

A body is in unstable equilibrium if it does not return to its equilibrium position and does not remain in the displaced position after it has been displaced slightly.

States of equilibrium

Neutral Equilibrium

A body is in neutral equilibrium if it stays in the displaced position after if has been displaced slightly.

Stability

If a box is pushed a little and then released, it falls back to its original position. Its position was stable. If the box is pushed much further, it topples. It starts to topple as soon as its centre of mass passes over the edge of its base. From then on, the forces on the box have a turning effect which tips it even further. A box with a wider base and/or a lower centre of mass is more stable. It can be tilted to a greater angle before it starts to topple.

Stability

This box is in equilibrium. The forces on it are balanced, and so are their turning effects.

Stability

With a small tilt, the forces will turn the box back to its original position.

Stability

With a large tilt, the forces will tip the box over.

The End