Center of Mass
Original Editor - Kapil Narale
Top Contributors - Kapil Narale
What is Center of Mass?[edit | edit source]
The Center of Mass is where the body's relative position is determined to be zero. This is determined with neglecting the effect of gravity. The distribution of mass is considered to be even around the point of center of mass. [1] This would generally be in the center of the object, in symmetrical objects with weight evenly distributed. [1][2]If the object is not symmetrical or has uneven mass, the center of mass would have to be calculated. [2]
It can be said that the mass of an object equal the sum of total masses of all its components. If such a body is being displaced, and is in motion, with a force acting on it, the force is thought to be acting on a single point which would be the center of mass. This is where the mass of the body would be focused. [2]
Center of Mass vs. Center of Gravity[edit | edit source]
These measurements are very similar, but have a slight difference. Center of Mass is the position on an object where the entire mass is focused, while center of gravity is the point of the object where the entire weight is in balanced. In an object with an even weight, this would be in the middle of the object. [1]
Here is a chart outlining the difference between COM and COG: [1]
| Center of Mass | Center of Gravity |
|---|---|
| The point where the distribution of mass is even in all directions | The point where the weight of an object is equally spread in all directions |
| Focused on the mass of a body | Focused on the weight of a body |
| Point in an object where the entire mass is evenly spread | The point where the weight of the entire body is distributed |
| Even spread of the body's mass | Even spread of the weight of the body |
| Mass on the left is equal to the mass on the right, when the body is travelling thorough an axis | Weight on the left becomes equal to the weight on the right, when body is travelling through an axis |
| Change in gravitational field has n effect | Change in gravitational force causes object to move towards stronger field of gravity |
| Provides angular momentum when spinning around the point of Center of Mass | Net torque is zero, due to gravity |
Here is a video explaining the difference between Center of Mass and Center of Gravity:
Center of Mass (COM) in relation to Centre of Pressure (COP)[edit | edit source]
Read Center of Mass (COM) vs. Center of Pressure (COP) to see a distinct comparison of the two concepts.
It seen that for a balancing task, the COM position is always above the COP position. [1]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Geeks for Geeks. Difference between Center of Mass and Center of Gravity. Available from: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/difference-between-center-of-mass-and-center-of-gravity/ (accessed 26/04/2024).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Geeks for Geeks. Center of Mass of Different Objects. Available from: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/centre-of-mass-of-different-objects/ (accessed 27/04/2024).
