Centre of mass vs. centre of gravity

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the distinction between the centre of mass and the centre of gravity, particularly in the context of a symmetrical solid body, such as a cone. It establishes that the centre of mass is located at the geometric centre for uniform density, while the centre of gravity can shift based on the gravitational field strength. Specifically, when moving from Earth to Jupiter, the centre of gravity is lowered, making the body harder to tip over. The conversation also raises the question of whether a formula exists to calculate the centre of gravity in different gravitational fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centre of mass and centre of gravity concepts
  • Familiarity with gravitational fields and their effects on objects
  • Basic knowledge of geometry related to solid bodies
  • Awareness of uniform density and its implications in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical relationship between centre of mass and centre of gravity
  • Explore gravitational field strength variations on different celestial bodies
  • Learn about the stability of objects in varying gravitational environments
  • Investigate existing formulas for calculating centre of gravity in non-uniform fields
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and engineers interested in mechanics, gravitational effects on solid bodies, and stability analysis in varying gravitational fields.

Kacker
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
consider a symmetrical solid body. we say its centre of mass is at its geometric centre. that is, for uniform density we've taken mass to vary exactly as volume. now when the same body is taken from a place of gravitational field A to gravitational field B. say from the Earth to jupiter, this body (consider it to be a cone) would be harder to tip over were it standing on its base. that is because , for a body to tip over, the vertical line through the centre of gravity should pass outside the base. the geometry of the body unchanged, we say its centre of gravity is lowered in this stronger field. is there a formula by which we can calculate the centre of gravity in particular fields in relation to those in others?. I am assuming we take centre of gravity and centre of mass to coincide on Earth for convinience's sake.
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

Undergrad Optimizing Drumstick Bounce: Finding the Magic Fulcrum Point
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
Undergrad Technique to find CG seems like should be for C.M. instead
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School Why Is an Object's Weight Equal to the Force of Gravity It Experiences?
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
5K
Undergrad Centre of Gravity and Centre of Mass
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
Undergrad Understanding of gravity in the Middle Ages
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
6K
Newton's shell theorem - all mass is concentrated at its centre
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Undergrad Gravity / pressure as we move towards centre of Earth
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
12K
Undergrad Angular velocity of a rod and what formula to use while solving.
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Difference between centre of mass and centre of gravity
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate How does the velocity of a mass spun around a pencil change?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K