Experiment No.

6
Statement:
Determine center of gravity (centroid) of various objects by analytical solution and
experimental observations.
Purpose:
To determine the centroids of various shapes/objects by experimental exercise and compare
the same with analytical results.
Apparatus:
• Objects of various shapes
• Plumb bob
• Graph papers
• Cutter
• Meter rod etc.
Related Theory:
Centre of gravity:
“Centre of gravity is a point from which the line of action of resultant of all the gravitational
forces passes.”
OR
“It is the point around which the moment of all the gravitational forces completely cancels
out each other.”
Centre of mass:
It is the specific point where entire mass of the body is thought to be concentrated.
Centroid:
The geometric centre of the body is called centroid.
Significance of Centroid:
1. Total resultant gravitational force acts at this point.
2. Entire mass is supposed to be concentrated at this point.
3. It is the point at which the body can be supported or stabilized without overturning.
Thus centre of gravity, centre of mass and the centroid, all are physically the same but
theoretically different.
Centroids of various geometric shapes:-

Centroid of Rectangle:
Y

h G(x1, y1)

y1
X
x1
b
A= b.h , x1= b/2 , y1=h/2

Centroid of Triangle:

Y Y

h h

y1 y1

X
X

x1 x1

b b

A= 1/2 b.h , x1= 2b/3 , y1= h/3 A= 1/2 b.h , x1= b/3 ,

y1 =h/3
Centroid of Circle or Semi-circle:

Y Y

X X
A= (π.R2)/2 , x1=0 ,
y1=4R/3π

A= π.R2 , x1=0 , y1=0

Centroid of Quarter Circle and Sector of Circle:

y1

X
x1

R
 A=
(π.R2)/4 , x1= 4R/3π , y1= 4R/3π

ө X
ө

A= Ө.R/2 , x1= (3RsinӨ)/2Ө

ANALYTICAL CALCULATIONS:-

PROBLEM NO.1

Y
(251.5mm) (216mm)

(304 mm)

Portion Area X(mm) Y(mm) A.X A.Y

1.
2.
Σ

X= Y=

PROBLEM NO. 2

(477.5mm) D=150mm (297mm

 X

(299mm)

Portion Area X(mm) Y(mm) A.X A.Y

1.
2.
3.
Σ
X= Y=

PROBLEM NO. 3

(180.5mm)

(75mm)

(477.5mm)

(150mm)

(75mm)

(300mm)

Portion Area X(mm) Y(mm) A.X A.Y

1.
 2.
3.
Σ

X= Y=

PROBLEM NO. 4

(179mm)

(539mm)

(360mm)

(180mm)

(299mm)
Portio Are X(mm Y(mm A. A.
n a ) ) X Y
1.
2.
3.
Σ

X= Y=

CENTRE OF GRAVITY
SHAPES

EXPERIMENTAL ANALYTICAL

X Y X Y
Precautions:

1. Allow the body to become static.

2. Measure all dimensions precisely.