Lecture 30: Center of gravity and static equilibrium

Objectives
1. Compare and contrast the center of mass, center of gravity,
and stability.
2. Enumerate the necessary and sufficient conditions for static
equilibrium.
3. Solve static equilibrium problems, such as see-saw, mobile,
cable-hinge-strut system, leaning ladder, and wheel climbing a
step.

Recall: Center of mass

The center of mass of an object is the point located
at the objects average position of mass.
Center of gravity, the average position of all the particles of
weight that make up an object.

For everyday objects, the center of gravity is the same as the center of mass.

There can be a small difference

between center of gravity and
center of mass when an object is
large enough for gravity to vary
from one part to another

Example: The center of gravity of the

Sears Tower in Chicago is about 1 mm
below its center of mass because the
lower stories are pulled a little more
strongly by Earths gravity than the upper
stories.

Center of gravity (CG) is the center of mass (CM)

IF acceleration due to gravity is constant throughout
Center of Gravity: Point where all
gravitational force seems to act
Location where weight is concentrated
When body is supported at this point,
no net torque due to gravity

Finding CG:
- Suspend object at least two
(2) different points
- Draw vertical lines made
when supported
- The intersection of lines: CG
CG
4

CG and stability: Rule for Toppling

If the CG extends outside the area of support, an unbalanced
torque exists, and the object will topple.
The block
topples when
the CG extends
beyond its
support base.

You can lean over

and touch your
toes without
toppling only if
your CG is above
the area bounded
by your feet.

Conditions for Static Equilibrium

Recall: A particle in equilibrium : it does NOT
accelerate ( = )

Torque: tendency to rotate

No rotation: =

An object is static equilibrium does not accelerate and does not rotate

Example 1:

Example 2:

Example 3:

Solving equilibrium problems

Static equilibrium:
=
=

Torques that
produce
clockwise rotation

two equations
mean the same

Torques that produce

counter clockwise
rotation

Equilibrium: Balanced Torques

Sample Problem 1: A pair of torques can balance each
other. Balance is achieved if the torque that tends to produce
clockwise rotation by the boy equals the torque that tends to
produce counterclockwise rotation by the girl. What must be
the weight of the boy to achieve static equilibrium?

Torque due
to girl is
CCW:
(positive)

Torque due
to boy is CW:
(negative)

Torque due
to girl is
CCW:
(positive)

Torque due
to boy is CW:
(negative)

GIRL: CCWtorque = RgFg(sin90) = (200N)(3m) = 600Nm

BOY: CWtorque = RbFb(sin90)=(wboy)(1.5m)
SEESAW: 0 because R = 0 (at the center of mass)

= 0
girl + boy + seesaw = 0
600Nm wb(1.5m)= 0
wb = 400N

Sample Problem 2: Weight distribution for the car

An auto magazine reports that a certain sports car has 53% of its
weight on the front wheels and 47% on its ear wheels, with a
2.46-m wheelbase. This means that the total normal force on the
front wheel is 0.53w and that on the rear wheel is 0.47w, where
w is the total weight. The wheelbase is the distance between the
front and the rear axles. How far on front of the rear axle is the
cars center of gravity?

FBD of the car

No x-component of force
Since 0.47w + 0.53w + (-w) = 0
1st condition for equilibrium satisfied, but it does not contain Lcg
2nd condition for equilibrium: = 0 (rear wheel : pt. of rotation)

Lcg is between the 2 supports

Sample Problem 3:

Apply the first and second conditions of equilibrium to Clea

= 89
= 0

= 157
+ =

=
=0

0.95 = 0

= . , ( . )
The normal force at her feet is greater than at her rear
feet, so her center of gravity is closer to her front feet

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION: BALANCING ACT USING STICKS & A FEATHER

This video performance demonstrates the concepts of center of mass,
torque, and balance in a dramatic fashion. The performer a series of
sticks of increasing size, starting with a feather and ending with a stick
about 2 m in height. The precise nature of this feat is demonstrated at
the end of the video.

How he did it??? (thinking in Mandarin)

=
......

He carefully placed the stick in the center of mass of the feather;

then placed another stick in the the center of mass of the feather - stick body;
then placed another stick in the feather stick stick body ; and so on

How he did it??? (ENGLISH TRANSLATION)

= so torques must be equal to

achieve static equilibrium... now, where is
the center of mass??

He carefully placed the stick in the center of mass of the feather;

then placed another stick in the the center of mass of the feather - stick body;
then placed another stick in the feather stick stick body ; and so on

Summary: Center of Mass & Static Equilibrium

Center of Gravity:
point where all
gravitational force
seems to act
Conditions for static equilibrium:

=
=

Homework: SW # 3

0
=

A = 0.50cm2 = 0.50 x 10-4m2

0
(4.00)(5000)

=
=
=
.

(0.50104 2)(0.20102 )

Seatwork 4
1
= 2.40108 = 0.80108

3
= A (0.80x108Pa) = (3.0x10-4 m2)(0.80x108Pa)

2.40104
= 2.40x104N
=
=
9.8/2 = . . /

F = ma gives - mg = ma

1200

RECIT 11 (TAKE HOME, by pair/individual)

Due: 23 October
Problem Set Ch 6,7,8 will be emailed this
weekend
Due: 27 October
2nd Long exam: 26 October (M)
12:00PM to 02:00PM(R)
11:00PM to 01:00PM(E) see me after class
01:00PM to 03:00PM(L) see me after class

Seatwork
- solve problems in your
notebooks
- write the answers only in
your bluebook
- indicate the date

January 6, 2014
1. Blah?
2. Blah blah!
3. Blah blah blah!
4. Blah blah blah blah!

23

HOMEWORK:
1. A box with its center of mass off-center as indicated by
the dot is placed on an inclined plane. In which of the
three orientations shown, if any, does the box tip over?

2. Which of the following situations satisfy the conditions for static

equilibrium
a. A stationary rod pivoted at one end.
b. A bowling ball rolls without slipping at a constant non-zero
speed along a horizontal alley
c. A cable wrapped around a cylinder that can rotate about its axis
24
unwinds without slipping at a constant speed

Weight, w

3: Draw the FBD of the situation

4: Calculate the maximum weight you can place without
breaking the cable. (use 1st condition)
5: Where should you put the weight? (use 2nd
condition, calculate for CG)