Experiment Mp-07

Irregular Shape


Description: An irregular shape cut out of plywood is suspended by small holes near its edges and a horizontal rod.  The center of gravity fixed in the object always orients itself with minimum potential energy on a vertical line below the support point.  A vertical level is hung from the rod the shape is hanging on and its string is traced with a line of chalk.  When the shape is hung and the level is traced from many different points, it is evident that the center of gravity of the shape is in the center where all of the chalk lines meet.

 

Picture of shape with level and chalk lines.

When the shape is hung from its center of gravity, the shape is in equilibrium in any position.

 

Shape hanging at its center of gravity.

 

 

Materials: Irregular shape, vertical level, chalk

 

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This page was last updated on Friday August 15, 2008 8:37 PM