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How to Test for the Center of Gravity

The center of mass of an object, also referred to as the center of gravity, is the mean location of all the mass in an object. It is the point that is fixed relative to the rest of the object as it travels along a certain trajectory. In the case of an irregularly shaped object, the center of mass is not located at its geometric center. Fortunately, you can test for an object's center of mass using a few items commonly found around the home.

Things You'll Need

  • String
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tie the string around a point of the object for which you want to find the center of gravity. Tie it tightly enough to be firm, but do not make it so tight that it deforms the object in any way.

    • 2

      Hang the object from the other end of the string. Draw a straight line down from the bottom of the string across the surface of the object with a ruler and pencil. Make sure it extends the path of the string in as straight a path as possible.

    • 3

      Repeat Steps 1 and 2 from two more points on the object.

    • 4

      Locate the point at which all three lines intersect. This will be the object's center of mass, or center of gravity.

K-12 Basics
K-12 Basics
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