What is Center: Definition and 1000 Discussions

In physics, the center of mass of a distribution of mass in space (sometimes referred to as the balance point) is the unique point where the weighted relative position of the distributed mass sums to zero. This is the point to which a force may be applied to cause a linear acceleration without an angular acceleration. Calculations in mechanics are often simplified when formulated with respect to the center of mass. It is a hypothetical point where the entire mass of an object may be assumed to be concentrated to visualise its motion. In other words, the center of mass is the particle equivalent of a given object for application of Newton's laws of motion.
In the case of a single rigid body, the center of mass is fixed in relation to the body, and if the body has uniform density, it will be located at the centroid. The center of mass may be located outside the physical body, as is sometimes the case for hollow or open-shaped objects, such as a horseshoe. In the case of a distribution of separate bodies, such as the planets of the Solar System, the center of mass may not correspond to the position of any individual member of the system.
The center of mass is a useful reference point for calculations in mechanics that involve masses distributed in space, such as the linear and angular momentum of planetary bodies and rigid body dynamics. In orbital mechanics, the equations of motion of planets are formulated as point masses located at the centers of mass. The center of mass frame is an inertial frame in which the center of mass of a system is at rest with respect to the origin of the coordinate system.

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  1. S

    Moment of inertia about a perpendicular axis through its center?

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  2. I

    I Center of inversion of cubic diamond structure?

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  3. S

    Center of mass and rotation question

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  4. E

    Finding z component of center of mass of a complex shape

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  5. K

    How do masses affect the acceleration of the center of mass?

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  6. Mr Davis 97

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  7. G

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  8. J

    Calculating Center of Mass in NH3 Molecule

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  9. N

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  10. S

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  11. lordlarddallas

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  12. S

    Finding the acceleration of the center of mass

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  13. Mr Davis 97

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  14. Romka

    I How to determine the center of gravity of a satellite

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  15. L

    Center of Mass Balancing Question

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  16. B

    Use triple integral to find center of mass

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  17. F

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  18. Sune Irl

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  19. jtbell

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  20. E

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  21. F

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  22. Ranku

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  23. K

    Determining the B-field in center of current carrying loop

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  24. P

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  25. jybe

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  26. F

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  27. H

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  28. Grinkle

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  29. Gene Naden

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  30. lfdahl

    MHB A center of mass determined triangle: Find the angles of the triangle P_1P_2P_3

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  31. BillTre

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  32. T

    Center of mass of a disk with a hole

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  33. Spitfire

    I Wonderful new images of the center of our galaxy

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  34. F

    Potential at the center of a sphere between two long rods

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  35. Hamza Qayyum

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  36. karush

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  37. Roverse

    An equilateral triangle's electric field at its center

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  38. Pushoam

    Center of diffraction pattern

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  39. J

    Off-Center Fed Dipole vs Standard Center Fed Dipole

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  40. Hiero

    I Center of Mass Motion: Velocity & Momentum

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  41. J

    Center of mass of a uniform wire

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  42. J

    Rubber Band Car- Wheel Placement and Center of Gravity?

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  43. Isaac0427

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  44. D

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  45. X

    Velocity of the center of mass for MD simulations

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  46. Likith D

    The solution of a problem regarding center of mass

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  47. Pushoam

    B on center of 2 infinite wires with semi - circular end

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  48. C

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  49. F

    I What is the location of the center of buoyancy and how is it determined?

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  50. D

    Center of mass system of two interacting identical Fermions

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