Bicol University

College of Social Sciences and Philosophy

Department of Psychology

BASE, DARLENE YVETTE B. BS PSYCHOLOGY 2A

Experiment No. ___

Center of Mass and Stability of an Object

I. Concept
● Every object behaves as if its mass were concentrated at one point. This point is
called its center of mass.
● When a suspended object is in equilibrium, its center of mass is directly beneath
the point of suspension.
● The center of mass of a symmetrical object is along the axis of symmetry.
● The stability of an object is increased by making its base as wide as possible and
its center of mass as low as possible.
● An object will tend to topple over if the line of action of its weight is outside its
base.
II. Objectives
● To find the center of mass of a flat object.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68XhrsfWVT0)
● To recognise that the center of mass of a freely suspended object at res is directly
below the point of suspension.
● To describe what is meant by the center of mass of a body.
● To recognise the factors that affect the stability of an object.
● To explain why an unstable body may topple over.
III. Materials
● Plumbob with string ( a carpenters tool called” plumo or hulog”) or you can hang
a stone or a marble:
● 4 Symmetrical objects (card)
● 2 asymmetrical object (card)
● Pen
● Stand
 Bicol University
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
Department of Psychology

IV. Results
1.1. Locating the center of mass of a flat object. (Symmetrical)

SUSPENDING THE CARD FROM A BALANCING THE CARD ON THE

THIRD POINT END OF A PENCIL

1.

2.

3.
 Bicol University
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
Department of Psychology

4.

1.2. Locating the center of mass of a flat object. (Asymmetrical)

SUSPENDING THE CARD FROM A BALANCING THE CARD ON THE

THIRD POINT END OF A PENCIL

1.

2.
 Bicol University
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
Department of Psychology

2.1. Stability

OBJECTS THAT COULD REASONS FOR FACTORS AFFECTING

TOPPLE OVER TOPPLING STABILITY

Tall plant in a pot A tall potted plant may topple ● Height of the plant
if the center of mass is high ● Design of the pot
and the pot is not heavy or
wide enough.

Chair A chair can topple if the ● Design on the chair

person sitting leans too far ● Person sitting posture
back, shifting the center of ● Dimensions of chair
mass outside the base.

Tall cabinet Tall cabinets can topple if the ● Height and design of
center of mass is high and the the cabinet
base is not wide enough to ● Distribution of weight
provide sufficient stability. on shelves

Stack of books A stack of books can topple if ● Height of the stack

the center of mass is not ● Arrangement of books
well-supported, and the stack ● Distribution of mass
becomes unbalanced.

Table lamp A stack of books can topple if ● Design of the lamp

the center of mass is not ● Height of the
well-supported, and the stack lampshade
becomes unbalanced. ● Base dimensions

Questions:
1. On a tightrope, a tightrope walker carrying a pole horizontally senses a slight
movement to the left. Should the pole be shifted to the left or right? Give a reason to
your answer. Note: A tightrope walker carries a long pole to keep balanced. The pole is
used to keep the center of mass on the walker(and pole) directly above the rope.A slight
body movement one way is counterbalanced by shifting the pole slightly the other way.
If the tightrope walker senses a slight movement to the left, the pole should be
shifted to the right. This adjustment is made to maintain balance by ensuring that the
combined center of mass of the walker and the pole remains directly above the tightrope.
When the walker leans or shifts to one side, shifting the pole in the opposite direction
counterbalances this movement. The pole essentially acts as a tool for redistributing the
center of mass, helping the walker to stay aligned with the rope and prevent a potential
 Bicol University
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
Department of Psychology

loss of balance. This technique leverages the principles of physics to ensure stability and
equilibrium while walking on the tightrope.

2. Explain why the center of mass of a spoon is not in the middle.

The center of mass of a spoon is not located at its geometric middle due to the
unequal distribution of mass. Typically, the handle of the spoon is lighter, while the bowl
or head is denser, causing the center of mass to be biased towards the heavier end. This
imbalance is a result of the spoon's design, with a longer handle for practical use and a
wider, heavier bowl for holding food. Consequently, the center of mass reflects the
overall mass distribution within the spoon, deviating from its geometric midpoint.

3. Would a double-decker bus be more or less stable if everyone on it sat on the top deck?
No.
If all passengers on a double-decker bus sit on the top deck, the bus is likely to be
less stable. This is because concentrating weight on the upper level raises the center of
mass, making the bus more top-heavy. A lower center of mass is generally preferable for
stability, so distributing passengers evenly between the top and bottom decks helps
maintain balance and reduces the risk of the bus tipping over during maneuvers.