🤸 CENTER OF MASS
PAGE 1 OF 5, THE INVISIBLE BALANCE POINT
WHERE WEIGHT ACTS
EVERY OBJECT HAS A CENTER OF MASS
Imagine an object made of millions of tiny particles, each pulled downward by gravity. The center of mass (COM) is the single point where you can treat the entire object's weight as if it acts. For a uniform ruler, the COM sits at the geometric middle. For an irregular shape, it shifts toward heavier parts. You cannot see it, but it controls balance, tipping, and how objects spin. Gymnasts tuck their bodies to move their COM. Engineers place heavy batteries low in electric cars to keep the COM near the ground and improve stability.
📍 DEFINITION
The center of mass is the average position of all the mass in an object. Gravity pulls on every particle, but the net effect equals a single downward force through the COM.
BALANCE!
UNIFORM SHAPES
📏 Uniform rod: COM at midpoint
🔵 Solid sphere: COM at centre
📐 Symmetry often reveals COM quickly
🔵 Solid sphere: COM at centre
📐 Symmetry often reveals COM quickly
IRREGULAR SHAPES
🔨 Heavy end pulls COM toward it
🧍 Human COM: near lower belly
📦 Lopsided loads shift COM sideways
🧍 Human COM: near lower belly
📦 Lopsided loads shift COM sideways