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1.4.3States of Matter

Centre of Gravity — Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 Revision Notes & Topical Questions

5 min read 4 parts Lesson 30 of 30 Unit quiz

📚 Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 Hub / Topical Revision
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Curriculum Equation Key قوانين الرقم الهيدروجيني والاتزان الأيوني - pH & Acid-Base Equilibrium FormulasFast Exam Solution
pH = -log[H⁺] | pOH = -log[OH⁻] | pH + pOH = 14 | [H⁺][OH⁻] = 10⁻¹⁴
Word Equation & Conditions: الرقم الهيدروجيني = -لوغاريتم تركيز أيون الهيدروجين | pH + pOH = 14
Location & Specifications: الاتزان الأيوني، كيمياء 3 ثانوي، التحصيلي، و AP Chemistry.
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Part 1 of 4The Centre of Gravity

The weight of an object can be treated as acting at a single point, called the centre of gravity.

Centre of gravity
  • Centre of gravity The point through which the whole weight of an object appears to act.
Symmetrical objects
  • Symmetrical objects For a uniform, symmetrical object, the centre of gravity is at its geometric centre.
Outside the object
  • Outside the object The centre of gravity of a hollow object, such as a ring, can lie outside the material of the object.
Stability
  • Stability An object is more stable when its centre of gravity is low and its base is wide.
Base
  • Base The area of the object in contact with the surface it stands on.

Part 2 of 4Why an Object Topples

Tipping depends on where the vertical line through the centre of gravity falls.

1
When an object is tilted, its centre of gravity rises as it moves upwards.
2
The weight acts vertically downwards from the centre of gravity.
3
If the vertical line from the centre of gravity falls outside the base, a turning moment tips the object over.
4
If the line falls inside the base, the weight returns the object to its original upright position.

Part 3 of 4Applications

Applications
Racing cars
  • Racing cars Racing cars have a low centre of gravity so they resist tipping during fast cornering.
Double-decker buses
  • Double-decker buses Heavy parts are placed low in buses so they are less likely to tip on bends.
Toy design
  • Toy design Weights placed at the bottom of a toy keep it upright when pushed.
Tall structures
  • Tall structures Wide bases on towers and cranes keep the centre of gravity over the base.

Part 4 of 4Exam Checklist & Tips

1.4.3 – Key Points for the Exam

  • Centre of gravity The point through which an object's weight acts.
  • Stability The tendency of an object to return to its original position after being tilted slightly.
  • Base The region of an object in contact with the surface supporting it.
  • Toppling Tipping over, which happens when the centre of gravity moves beyond the edge of the base.

Common Mistakes

  • Stating that the centre of gravity must always be inside the material of the object;
    • a ring has its centre of gravity in the hole.
  • Confusing a high centre of gravity with a stable object;
    • a high centre of gravity makes an object easier to tip.
  • Assuming a narrow base is more stable than a wide one; a wide base is more stable.
  • Saying the object tips because its weight increases when tilted;
    • the weight stays the same and only the position of the line changes.

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