Center of mass & Stability

The diagrams show four objects A, B, C and D. The center of mass M of each object is marked on the diagrams. Which object is not in equilibrium?

• A

• B

• C

• D

The diagram shows four objects on a flat surface.

The center of mass of each object is marked M.

Which object is about to fall over?

• A

• B

• C

• D

The diagrams show four solid cones. The center of mass of each cone is marked by a point labelled M.

Which cone is the most stable?

• A

• B

• C

• D

A plane lamina with center of mass X touches the ground at point P.

Which diagram shows the lamina in equilibrium?

• 
• 
• 
• 

The diagram shows a uniform, flat metal sheet hanging freely from a nail at point A. A weight also hangs freely on a string tied to A.

One of the labelled points is at the center of mass of the metal sheet.

Which point is at the center of mass?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Passengers are not allowed to stand on the upper deck of double-decker buses.

Why is this?

• They would cause the bus to become less stable.

• They would cause the bus to slow down.

• They would increase the kinetic energy of the bus.

• They would lower the centre of mass of the bus.

The point through which the whole body acts is known as

• centroid

• central point

• center of gravity

• inertial point

For a two dimensional figure, where is the total point assumed to be concentrated?

• centroid

• central point

• center of gravity

• inertial point

For a uniform rod, the center of gravity is present at

• center point

• the ends

• varies from material to material

• the cross-sectional area

why is the car on the left unstable?

• Its center of mass is high

• it has a narrow base

• it has a high height

• All correct