EXPERIMENT 4 CENTER OF GRAVITY

1. OBJECTIVE
This experiment enables the students to verify the center of gravity for both
symmetrical and non-symmetrical shapes.

2. INTRODUCTION
The center of gravity is a point where the weight distribution of the object is
concentrated. It is the point in any object about which it is in perfect balance no
matter how it turned or ratted around the point. In other words when an object is
supported at its center of mass there is no net torque acting on the body and it will
remain in static equilibrium.
An easy way to determine the location of the center of mass of a rigid pole is to
support the pole horizontally on one finger from each hand. Slowly slide your fingers
together inward. When your fingers meet, you will be at the center of mass at which
time you can easily hold up the pole with only one finger as long as it can withstand
the entire weight of the pole. Try it with a bat or a broom. If the object is uniform, for
example a meter stick, the center of mass will be at the exact geometric center; if the
object is irregular in shape the center of mass will be closer to the heavier end.

Figure 1, Finding Center of Gravity Using Finger

Another method of finding the center of mass of a planar object is through the use of a
plumb line. Suspend the mass from each vertex and trace the plumb line's location.
The center of mass will be at the intersection of all of the plumb lines. This method
will be applied to this experiment. The center of mass of an object will be determined
by using this method.

Figure 2, Finding Center of Gravity using Plumb Lines

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 The center of gravity can be defined as the average of position weighted by mass. The
coordinate of the center of gravity can be founded using following formula.

In this experiment plumb line method and calculation method will be applied and
observed.

3. SAFETY MEASURES
Before entering the laboratory, all students pay attention to this laboratory safety
guide.
Wear a proper attire (shirt, trousers/long pants, shoes, vest, helmet)
No food or drink is permitted in the laboratory
Know the location of emergency exits, eyewash stations, safety showers, fire
extinguishers, and first aid kits and how to use them.
Read and follow the instructions in the laboratory manual and those given by the
lecturer.
Read and follow the operating procedures in the use of laboratory equipment.

4. EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS
Drawing board (LS 12039)
Masses (Circle, Rectangular, L-Shape, T-Shape, etc.)
Cords
Plumb bob
5. PROCEDURES
i. Holes are made into all shapes. At least 2-3 holes.
ii. The shapes are suspended through one of the holes.
iii. Then the plumb is hung up on the pin which is located on drawing board. It is done to
produce plumb line.

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iv. When the plumb line is steady, made line to mark the plumb line.
v. Steps i-iv are repeated for another holes.
vi. After all lines are marked, the obtained intersection point will be the center of gravity.
6. RESULTS

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Figure 3, Circle (Sketch 1) Figure 4, T-Shape (Sketch 2)

Figure 5, Triangle (Sketch 3) Figure 6, L-Shape (Sketch 4)

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Figure 7, Circular Segment (Sketch 5)

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7. DISCUSSION
i. Compute the center of gravity by using theoretical calculations.
Circle
Diameter = 33.3 cm
1 2 1 2 2 2
d = 33.3 cm =870.5 cm
Area = 4 4
33.3 cm
=16.65 cm
X= 2
33.3 cm
=16.65 cm
Y= 2

~ area X 870.5 16.65

x= = =16.65 cm
area 870.5

~ areaY 870.5 16.65

y= = =16.65 cm
area 870.5

( ~x , ~
y )=(16.65,16.65)

T-Shape

A2

A1

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A

A1 = L W =6 cm (30.7 cm5 cm )=6 cm 25.7 cm=154.2 cm2

28 cm
=14 cm
X1 = 2

30.7 cm5 cm
=12.85 cm
Y1 = 2

2
A2 = L W =28 cm 5 cm=140 cm

28 cm
=14 cm
X2 = 2

5 cm
+25.7 cm=28.2 cm
Y2 = 2

~ ( A 1 X 1 ) +(A 2 X 2) ( 154.2 ) ( 14 ) +(140)(14 )

x= = =14 cm
A 1+ A 2 154.2+140

~ ( A 1 Y 1 ) +(A 2Y 2) ( 154.2 ) ( 12.85 )+(140)(28.2)

y= = =20.2cm
A 1+ A 2 154.2+ 140

(~
x,~
y )=(14, 20.2)

Triangle
~ side length 34
x= = =17 cm
2 2

h= 34217 2= 867=29.4 cm
~ 1 1
y = h= 29.4=9.8 cm
3 3

( ~x , ~
y )=(17, 9.8)

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 L-Shape

A2

A1
A1 = L W =25.9 cm 7.7 cm=199.43
X cm 2
25.9 cm
=12.95 cm
X1 = 2
7.7 cm
=3.85 cm
Y1 = 2

A2 = L W =7.7 cm28 cm=215.6 cm2

7.7 cm
=3.85 cm
X2 = 2
28 cm
+7.7 cm=21.7 cm
Y2 = 2

~ ( A 1 X 1 ) +(A 2 X 2) ( 199.43 ) ( 12.95 ) +(215.6)(3.85)

x= = =8.2 cm
A 1+ A 2 199.43+215.6

~ ( A 1 Y 1 ) +(A 2Y 2) ( 199.43 ) ( 3.85 ) +(215.6)(21.7)

y= = =13.12 cm
A 1+ A 2 199.43+215.6

( ~x , ~
y )=(8.2, 13.12)

Circle Segment
~ base 43.3
x= = =21.65 cm
2 2

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 Figure 8, Circle Segment

Figure 9, Measured Circular

Segment

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 h c 2 15.5 43.32
R= + = + =22. 9 cm
2 8h 2 8(15.5)

1 c 1 43.3
=2sin =2 sin =2 70.98 =142
2R (2)(22.9)

~
y

~
y1

Figure 10, Center of Gravity of CIrcular Segment

2
sin

3

142
2
sin

3


142
2.4sin


4R
~y 1=
~ ~
y =h ( R y 1 )=15.5( 22.914.3 ) =15.58.6=6.9 cm

( ~x , ~
y )=(21.65, 6.9)

ii. Compare both values obtained by using the theoretically and experimentally.

Shape Experimentally Calculation

~
x ~
y ~
x ~
y

Circle 16.65 16.65 16.65 16.65

T-Shape 14 20.2 14 20.2
Triangle 17 10 17 9.8
L-Shape 8.2 13.12 8.2 13.12
Circle 21.65 6.9 21.65 6.9
 Segment

As we can see on the table, there is no significant difference between the result
obtained by experimentally and the calculation. It is indicated that the theory can
be proved through this experiment.

8. CONCLUSION
Through this experiment, the objective was achieved. We are able to verify the center
of gravity of each object by using experiment and calculation method. Both
experiment and calculation are interrelated. By using experimentally method we can
verify the calculation of center of gravity. At the end we can determine the center of
gravity of each object.
By using plumb lines we can find the exact coordinate of center of gravity from each
object. Simply mark the lines and find the intersection point between each line. In
conclusion we find that symmetrical object has the center of gravity exactly at the
center of its object. We can simply divide the x and y length to determine the
coordinate of center of gravity. For asymmetrical object, its center of gravity doesnt
locate exactly at the center of its object. It should be located closer to the heavier end.
To locate the exact center of gravity we can also use a formula. Which is

It definitely can be used to determine the exact coordinate of objects center of

gravity.
References
Area. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2014, from Efuda:
http://www.efunda.com/math/areas/IndexArea.cfm

Centroids of Common Shapes. (2012). Retrieved February 26, 2014, from Engineering.com
Library:
http://www.engineering.com/Library/ArticlesPage/tabid/85/articleType/ArticleView/a
rticleId/109/Centroids-of-Common-Shapes.aspx

Colwell, C. H. (n.d.). Center of Mass. Retrieved February 23, 2014, from Physics Lab
Online: http://dev.physicslab.org/Document.aspx?
doctype=3&filename=RotaryMotion_CenterMass.xml

Weisstein, E. W. (n.d.). Circular Segment. Retrieved February 26, 2014, from Wolfram
Mathworld: http://mathworld.wolfram.com/CircularSegment.html