Stability 2016

Enabling Objectives

 Describe center of gravity

- Centre of gravity
- Centre of gravity of regular and irregular objects
- Stable and unstable equilibrium

Centre of Gravity
The centre of gravity of an object is the point where the whole weight of the object acts or seems to
acts.
The centre of gravity of some shapes is shown below:
Regular shape Irregular shape
Example:

Draw line to show the centre of gravity of shapes below

Stability

 Stability is the position of the centre of gravity of an object affects

 If an object is in equilibrium, i.e., if it is balanced, then if a force is applied to the object it
will either tilt, tip over or roll

There are three types equilibrium

a) stable equilibrium b) unstable equilibrium c) neutral equilibrium (it
rolls)
 it tilts and then falls back to  the centre of gravity is the centre of gravity stays at

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 Stability 2016
the same level if it is
the original position lowered as it is tilted and pushed
 the centre of gravity is then falls over
raised as it is tilted

Name: Marks

Group Code: Date:

Topic : Equilibrium of rigid body

1. 3. A 10 kg box, a 20 kg box and a 30 kgbox are

stacked up. Which of the following combinations
will be most unstable.

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2. The diagram below shows the position of the 4. A uniform rod is held vertically as shown. Where
centre of gravity of each standing lamina. Given should the rod be held such that when it is
that the laminas have the same weight, which of slightly displaced, it drops to another position?
the lamina shown below is the most stable.

5. A kite hangs freely on the branch of a tree as 7. Which of the following book shelves is the most
shown. Which pointy is possibly the centre of the stable?
gravity of the
kite?

6. A box is balanced at the edge of a table as shown. 8. Which of the following book shelves is the most

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 Stability 2016
Which point is possibly the centre of gravity of the stable?
box?

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