Centre of Mass

Target Language or Knowledge:

What would you use to to find the gravitational line of action? Define the centre of mass. Where is the centre of mass on a ladder? How could you make a plumb line? What is the line of action? The piece of card used in your investigation can sometimes be called by another name, what is it? What is the word used to describe the turning effect of a swing or spanner etc? When a suspended object (like a swing) is at rest. Where is its centre of mass positioned? How would you test to see that you had found the centre of mass of a symmetrical object? What position will a swing be in when it is in equilibrium?

Plumbline The position at which an objects mass can be thought of as concentrated In the middle of the ladder String with a weight tied to one end. The path that the force takes. Imaginary line passing through an object in the direction of the force acting on that object.

Lamina Moment Directly below the point of suspension. If the object is placed with its centre of mass on the top of the pencil, and it balances. At rest, not moving.