Understanding the Center of Gravity: Effects of Mass, Size, Weight, and Density

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the center of gravity and how it is influenced by factors such as mass, size, weight, and density. Participants explore theoretical aspects and practical implications of these concepts, particularly in relation to objects like buses and their stability during movement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on how the center of gravity changes with mass, size, weight, and density, indicating a lack of clear online resources.
  • Another participant suggests that the center of mass (COM) scales with the dimensions of the object, and questions whether the original poster is interested in specific aspects like geometry or density gradients.
  • A participant provides a practical example regarding the center of mass of a bus when weights are applied, noting the relationship between mass and tipping during turns, while questioning how this affects calculations of center of mass or center of gravity.
  • A link to a Wikipedia article is shared, which outlines the concept of center of mass and suggests choosing a coordinate system origin based on the specific problem being examined.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and interest in different aspects of the center of gravity, indicating that multiple views and questions remain unresolved. There is no consensus on the specific implications of mass, size, weight, and density on the center of gravity.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of center of mass and center of gravity may not be explicitly stated. The discussion does not resolve how these concepts apply in all scenarios, particularly in complex geometries or varying density distributions.

Physics Nic
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Hello everybody I am new here and I would like to ask a simple question about the centre of gravity and how it changes with mass, size , weight , density. etc.etc I would like to understand how this phenomenon happens and I have tried searching online to no avail so please help me understand how centre of gravity can change with the above
 
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Physics Nic said:
how it changes with mass, size , weight , density.
These are easy, COM scales with the dimensions of the object.
"etc., etc.?" Those get a little tougher. Anything in particular? Geometry? Density gradient?
 
Example, how does the center of mass change when weights of say 50 Newtons are applied to the undersides of a bus , I understand that the mass will affect (how easy it tips) during a turn but how does this come into play when calculating center of mass or center of Gravity whichever is easier ?
 

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