CENTRE OF MASS
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1 The diagram shows sections of four objects, all of equal mass. The position of the centre of mass
of each object has been marked with a cross.
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Which object is the most stable?
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A B C D
e s.
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s ou
re
2 The diagrams show a uniform rod with its midpoint on a pivot.
Two equal forces F are applied to the rod, as shown.
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Which diagram shows the rod in equilibrium?
A B
F F F
x
te
ar
F
pivot pivot
m
C F D
.s
w
F F F
pivot pivot
w
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3 The diagram shows a flat metal plate that may be hung from a nail so that it can rotate about any
of four holes.
holes holes
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flat metal plate
co
s.
What is the smallest number of holes from which the flat metal plate should be hung in order to
e
find its centre of gravity?
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A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4
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4
Two equal forces Fact on each of four planks.
Which plank turns?
s ou
re
A B
F F F F
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pivot pivot pivot pivot
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x
F F F F
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A heavy beam is resting on two supports, so that there are three forces acting on it.
5
R1 R2
ar
m
.s
W
w
The beam is in equilibrium.
w
Which statement is correct?
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A All the forces are equal in value.
B The forces are in one direction and their turning effects are in the opposite direction.
C The resultant force is zero and the resultant turning effect is zero.
D The total upward force is twice the total downward force.
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6 The diagram shows sections of four objects of equal mass. The position of the centre of mass of
each object has been marked with a cross.
Which object is the most stable?
A B C
m
co
s.
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e
7
rc
An empty glass is placed on a join between two tables as shown. The glass remains stable.
Which point is the centre of mass of the glass?
s ou
A
re
B
am
D
x
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te
ar
8 Passengers are not allowed to stand on the upper deck of double-decker buses.
m
upper deck
.s
w
w
lower deck
w
Why is this?
A They would cause the bus to become unstable.
B They would cause the bus to slow down.
C They would increase the kinetic energy of the bus.
D They would lower the centre of mass of the bus.
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9
The diagram shows sections of four objects of equal mass. The position of the centre of mass of
each object has been marked with a cross.
Which object is the most stable?
A B C D
m
co
s.
----------------------------
e
rc
10 A piece of card has its centre of mass at M.
B
s C ou
Which diagram shows how it hangs when suspended by a thread?
A D
re
am
M
M
M M
x
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te
11
ar
Passengers are not allowed to stand on the upper deck of double-decker buses.
upper deck
m
.s
w
w
lower deck
w
Why is this?
A They would cause the bus to become less stable.
B They would cause the bus to slow down.
C They would increase the kinetic energy of the bus.
D They would lower the centre of mass of the bus.
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12 The diagram shows four objects standing on a flat surface.
The centre of mass of each object is marked M.
Which object will fall over?
A B C D
m
M M M M
co
s.
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13
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The diagram shows four models of buses placed on different ramps.
centre centre centre centre
of mass of mass
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of mass of mass
re
am
How many of these models will fall over?
A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4
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x
te
14 further
A light aircraft stands at rest on the ground. It stands on three wheels, one at the front and two
back.
ar
Which point could be its centre of mass?
m
.s
A B C D
w
w
w
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15 A light aircraft stands at rest on the ground. It stands on three wheels, one at the front and two
further back.
Which point could be its centre of mass?
A B C D
m
co
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s.
16 A child tries to push over a large empty oil drum.
e
Where should the drum be pushed to topple it over with least force?
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A B C D
s ou
re
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am
17 The diagrams show four solid cones. The centre of mass of each cone is marked by a point
labelled M.
x
te
Which cone is the most stable?
A B C D
ar
m
M M
.s
M M
w
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w
w
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