20,345
edits
Changes
→Examples
==Key Stage 4==
[[File:Centre_of_mass_train.png|right|300px|link=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001ELZ6F8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B001ELZ6F8&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=91947c71f7b82fcaf986f96327cd542d|thumb|This toy balances by having its It was essential to find the '''centre of mass''' of old steam trains to make sure it was low enough that it wouldn't tip over on the tracks at a turn. To do so they hung the entire engine from the ceiling from different points and drew chalk lines directly over its beakdown from those points. There are two points of intersection where the '''centre of mass''' was found. One when the boiler was empty and one when it was full.]]
===Meaning===
The '''centre of mass''' is the [[Mean Average|average]] position all the [[matter]] in an [[object]].
*The '''centre of mass''' plays a critical role in the analysis of motion and dynamics.
*The '''centre of mass''' is important in sports and biomechanics for optimizing performance and balance.
===Method to find the Centre of Mass of a Lamina===
#Hang the [[lamina]] from a point.
#Hang a [[Plumb Line|plumb line]] from that point.
#Draw a line down the [[lamina]] following the string of the [[Plumb Line|plumb line]].
#Hang the [[lamina]] from a second point.
#Repeat steps 2 and 3.
The point where the lines cross will be the '''centre of mass'''.
A third line can be drawn to confirm this location.
===Examples===
*The centre of [[mass]] of a uniform rod is at its midpoint.
*Athletes adjust their '''centre of [[mass]] ''' to improve performance in activities like high jumping and gymnastics.