1

Centre of Gravity
Centre of gravity (COG) of a body is the point of
application of the resultant force due to earth’s attraction.
It is the point where the whole weight of the body
appears to act from. The resultant force is the weight
(𝑾 = 𝒎𝒈) of the body.
The metre rule can be thought of as being made up of numerous
tiny particles of wood, each having a small gravitational force
acting on it, see figure 4.2

2
 Centre of Gravity of Regular Shapes
The centre of gravity of a uniform body (body with weight evenly
distributed) lies at the body’s geometrical centre.

3
 Centre of Gravity of irregular Shapes
There is also another way to determine the center of gravity of
an irregular lamina. If we suspend the lamina from
different points like P, Q, R as shown in Figure , the vertical lines PP', QQ',
RR' all pass through the center of gravity C.

4
Example
A uniform metal bar, 100 cm long balances at 20 cm mark when a
mass of 1.5 kg is attached at 0 cm mark, see figure 4.5. calculate
the weight of the bar. (Take g = 10N/kg)

Fig 4.5
Solution
‘Uniform’ means that the weight is evenly distributed along the bar and
it therefore acts through the centre of gravity, 0.5 m from either end.
W=1.5 x 10
= 15N
Taking moments about the pivot point;
0.2 x 15 = 0.3 x W
0.2 x 15
W=
0.3
= 10 N
5
Example
Figure 4.7 shows a drum of mass 150 kg and radius 0.5 m being
pulled by a horizontal force F against a step 0.1 m high. What
initial force is just sufficient to turn the drum so that it rises over
the step?

Fig. 4.8
Taking moments about A;
W x d = F x 0.4
But, W = 150 x 10
= 1500 N
By Pythagoras theorem
And (0.5)2 = (0.4)2 +d2
d2 =0.09
d = 0.3m
1500 x 0.3 = F x 0.4
1500 x 0.3
F = 0.4
F=1125 N
6
 Stable equilibrium
State of equilibrium refers to state of balance of a body. There
are three states of equilibrium:
1. Stable equilibrium
A body is said to be in a stable equilibrium if it returns to the
original position after being displaced slightly. The body does
not topple over since the line of action of weight still falls inside
the base of the funnel. Position of Centre of gravity is raised

7
The vehicles do not topple over if the line of action of weight still
falls inside the base of the funnel.

8
 Unstable equilibrium.
2. Unstable equilibrium.
A body is in unstable equilibrium if on being displaced slightly, it
does not return to its original positions but occupies a new
position. The funnel below topples over because the line of action
of weight falls outside the base of the funnel. Position of Centre of
gravity is lowered

9
 Neutral equilibrium
3. Neutral equilibrium
A body is said to be in neutral equilibrium if on being displaced it
occupies a new position which is similar to the original position.
Position of Centre of gravity is not lowered or raised.

Conditions for Equilibrium

• The sum of forces on the body in one direction is equal to the sum
of forces acting on the body in the opposite direction
• The sum of the clockwise moments about any point is equal to the
sum of the anticlockwise moments about the same point.
10
Other example of states of equilibrium

11
 Factors affecting stability of a body
The Area of the Base
If the base area is large, the line through the centre of
gravity of the body remains within the base even if the
body is tilted through a large angle. Hence, a body with
a broad base is more stable than the one with a narrow
base.

The Position of the Centre of Gravity

A body is more stable when its centre of gravity is as
low as possible. This cam be achieved by making the
base heavier. Bodies with high centres of gravity are
less stable.
12
 Examples of Application of Stability
 Containers for holding
liquids such as conical
flask in the laboratory
have wide area of base to
improve their stability.
 Tripod Stands, Camera
stands, stools four legged
animals etc., have wide
area of support to improve
stability.
 Racing cars have wider
wheel base and lower
positions of center of
gravity than ordinary cars.

13
Examples of Application of Stability

A person carrying a bucket

of water in one hand has to
lean his body to the other
side to adjust the position his
centre of gravity.
It is advisable to carry two
buckets for better stability.

14
Examples of Application of Stability
 Most buses carry
their cargo in space
below the passenger
level instead of the
roof rack in order to
keep the centre of
gravity positions low
and increase stability.

 A Bunsen burner has

a wide heavy base to
increase stability

15
Acrobats in their breathtaking manouvers must ensure that their
centre of gravity remains within the defines base area for stability
Also used in balancing toys

16
To add examples of a wheelbarrow
and a hummer

17
1. Define the term centre of gravity of an object.
2. Differentiate between a body in a stable state of equilibrium and one in an
unstable state of equilibrium.
3. State two ways in which the stability of an object can be reduced.
4. Explain why racing cars have wide tyres.
5. State two factors that determine the stability of a vehicle
6. A bus carrying standing passengers has a higher chance of overturning than
one with sitting passengers. Explain.
7. The stability of a body can be increased by increasing the base area and
lowering its centre of gravity. State one way of lowering its centre of gravity.
8. A person carrying a heavy luggage using one hand leans away from the
luggage. State the reason for this.
9. State the modification introduced in the modern buses so as to enhance
stability
10. Tall buildings are built with lighter materials at the upper part. Explain.
11. A tight rope walker carries a pole to maintain stability. Explain how he
used it to achieve it.
12. State two conditions necessary for a rigid body to be in equilibrium.
18
13. The diagram below shows a L – shaped solid Identify the position of centre
of gravity.

14. Figure below shows a marble placed on an inverted bowl. State and
explain the type of equilibrium the marble is in.

15. State the type of equilibrium for a rubber ball placed on a horizontal table

19
16. Fig shows a beaker placed on a bench. A block of ice is placed in the
beaker as shown. State and explain the change in the stability of the beaker
when the ice melts.

17. Two flasks, A and B were placed on a horizontal surface as shown in figure
below. State and explain which flask is more stable.

18. Fig represents a flaming non-drip candle. State and explain how the
candle’s stability changes as it burns.

20