CHAPTER 9

Stability

CHAPTER 9

Stability
UNIT 9.1 Understanding that the centre of
gravity affects stability

Determine the point of equilibrium in regular and irregular

shapes
Relate the point of equilibrium as the centre of gravity of
objects
Relate the centre of gravity to the stability of objects

WHAT

IS

STABILITY?

Stability of an object
refers to its ability to
maintain its original
position.

An object is stable if it can return to its original

position when tilted and released.
Tilted

It returns to
its original
position

and
released

An object is unstable if it cannot return to its

original position when tilted and released.
Tilted
and
released

It cannot
returns to
its original
position

The Point of Equilibrium

What is the point of equilibrium?

The point of equilibrium is the point where the

whole weight of an object appears to act on.
The point of equilibrium of an object is actually the
centre of gravity of an object

It is the point at which the Earths gravity acts on an object.

Centre of
gravity

Location of the centre of equilibrium

Centre of
gravity

9.1 Stability

Point Of Equilibrium / Centre of Gravity

Gravitational force acts on every part of an object.
However, its weight can be considered to be concentrated at
one point. This point is its centre of gravity.
The object can be balanced when supported at its centre of
gravity.

The point of equilibrium of an irregular

shape can be determine as follow
Thumb tack

Thick cardboard of
irregular shape

Plumb line
1. The cardboard was suspended consecutively from the points A, B, and
C together with a plumb line.
2. The 3 verticals lines that were drawn along the plumb line intersected
at a point.
3. The cardboard could be balanced at the point of intersection of the 3
vertical lines.

The point of equilibrium of an irregular shape can be determine as follow

Step 1:

Result :

Step 2:

Step 3:

4. This means,
(a) Point of equilibrium of an irregular
shape is located at the point of
intersection of the 3 lines
(b) Point of equilibrium of an irregular
shape can be determined by this
experiment.

Centre of Gravity in Regular Shapes

The centre of gravity of regularly shaped objects
is usually at the centre

c.g.

c.g.

c.g.

2 factors affecting the stability of

an object
The position of the centre of gravity of the object
The base area of the object

Centre of gravity

Base area

Centre of gravity of an Object

The lower the centre of gravity of an object, the

more stable the object.

Stable

More
stable

Most
stable

Base area of an Object

The larger the base area of an object, the more stable the
object.

Stable

More
stable

Most
stable

CHAPTER 9

Stability
UNIT 9.2

Appreciating the importance of

stability

Suggest ways to improve the stability of objects around them

Explain with examples the application of stability in life

How To Improve The Stability Of an

Object
Improving the
stability of an
object

Lowering its
centre of
gravity

Increasing
its base area

Importance of Stability
Many appliances are designed to have a
low centre of gravity for stability:

Lower the centre of gravity

The principle of stability is applied to

many aspects of our daily life

Increase base area to gain stability

The principle of stability is applied to

many aspects of our daily life

Increase base area to gain stability

SMK Perempuan Likas

Sabah