Understanding the Center of Gravity: Effects of Mass, Size, Weight, and Density

[Physics Nic]

Hello everybody I am new here and I would like to ask a simple question about the centre of gravity and how it changes with mass, size , weight , density. etc.etc I would like to understand how this phenomenon happens and I have tried searching online to no avail so please help me understand how centre of gravity can change with the above

 

[Bystander]

how it changes with mass, size , weight , density.

These are easy, COM scales with the dimensions of the object.
"etc., etc.?" Those get a little tougher. Anything in particular? Geometry? Density gradient?

 

[Physics Nic]

Example, how does the center of mass change when weights of say 50 Newtons are applied to the undersides of a bus , I understand that the mass will affect (how easy it tips) during a turn but how does this come into play when calculating center of mass or center of Gravity whichever is easier ?

 

[Bystander]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_of_mass gives you the recipe. If you're asking where to pick an origin for the coordinate system, pick whatever is most useful for the system/problem you're examining.

 

[pmacias]

mentioned factors

Hello and welcome to the scientific community! The center of gravity is the point at which an object's mass is evenly distributed, meaning that if you were to balance the object on this point, it would remain stable. This point can change depending on factors such as mass, size, weight, and density.

Firstly, let's discuss how mass affects the center of gravity. Mass refers to the amount of matter an object contains. The more mass an object has, the more it will pull towards the center of the earth, causing the center of gravity to shift towards the object's center of mass.

Size also plays a role in the center of gravity. The larger an object is, the more spread out its mass will be, causing the center of gravity to be closer to the object's center. For example, a tall building will have a lower center of gravity than a short building with the same amount of mass.

Weight is another factor that can affect the center of gravity. Weight refers to the force of gravity acting on an object. The heavier an object is, the more it will pull towards the center of the earth, causing the center of gravity to shift towards the object's center.

Density is the amount of mass per unit volume of an object. Objects with higher density will have their mass concentrated in a smaller volume, causing the center of gravity to be closer to the object's center. For example, a solid iron ball will have a higher density and a lower center of gravity than a hollow plastic ball with the same mass.

In summary, the center of gravity is affected by mass, size, weight, and density because these factors determine how the object's mass is distributed. Understanding these factors can be useful in various fields such as engineering, sports, and transportation. I hope this helps you understand the concept of center of gravity better. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.