Center of mass of a human body

In summary, the center of mass is defined as the point in the exact center of an object's mass or the average location of the object's mass. When the arms are raised overhead, the center of mass of the body will migrate upwards, while a bilateral amputation of the legs will result in a downwards migration. This is because the raised arms or missing legs contribute to a change in the average position of the mass, causing the center of mass to move accordingly.
  • #1
thegirlchild
4
0
[SOLVED] center of mass

in which direction would the center of mass of the body migrate if the arms were raised overhead? what about if the person had a bilateral amputation of his legs?
 
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  • #2
How is the center of mass defined?
 
  • #3
the point in the exact center of an object's mass
 
  • #4
Yes, now think what happens to the mass in both of those questions. These problems don't require specific calculation, just a general statement.
 
  • #5
thegirlchild said:
the point in the exact center of an object's mass
A helpful way to think of it might be as the average location of the object's mass. (Imagine the object being composed of a bunch of small pieces.) For something uniform, that "average" location would be right in the middle.

Think of a pile of bricks. It has some center of mass. Now move a few bricks to the right. What must happen to the average position of all the bricks and thus to the center of mass of the pile?

Apply that same thinking to your problem.
 
  • #6
it would go down if your arms are raise and go up for a bilateral amputation of the legs?
 
  • #7
if u raise ur arm the upper part of ur body will have more mass hence the "center" of mass would be...
 
  • #8
higher
 
  • #9
thegirlchild said:
higher
Right. Just like moving some of the bricks in the pile to the right results in the center of mass moving to the right, raising part of your mass by lifting your arms results in a raising of your center of mass.

(Obviously if you raised your entire body--by stepping on a ladder--your center of mass must rise along with you. It's the same with raising your arms, only to a lesser extent.)
 

What is the center of mass of a human body?

The center of mass of a human body refers to the point at which the body's mass is evenly distributed in all directions. It is essentially the balance point of the body.

How is the center of mass of a human body determined?

The center of mass of a human body can be determined by finding the point at which the body would balance if suspended from that point. It can also be calculated by taking into account the distribution of mass throughout the body.

Why is the center of mass important in understanding human movement?

The center of mass is important in understanding human movement because it is the point at which all external forces act on the body. This means that the center of mass determines the body's stability and balance, and influences how the body moves and responds to external forces.

Does the center of mass of a human body change?

Yes, the center of mass of a human body can change depending on the body's position and movements. For example, the center of mass will shift when a person stands on one leg or bends over.

How does the center of mass differ between individuals?

The center of mass can differ between individuals based on factors such as body composition and height. Generally, taller individuals will have a higher center of mass, while individuals with more muscle mass may have a lower center of mass.

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