Subject : Physics

Class : X

Lesson : FORCE( centre of gravity)

Capsule No : 02

Centre of gravity with examples of some regular bodies and irregular lamina
 CENTRE OF GRAVITY
As we know earth attracts every particle towards its centre by the force of
gravity on the particle. But a body is itself a collection of particles each
having different weights(say w1,w2,w3,..) As the size of the body is
negligible compared to earth’s size , all these are weights acting parallel to
each other in downward direction. So net weight of the body is W =
w1+w2+w3+…
Definition : The centre of gravity of a body is the point about which the
algebraic sum of moments of weights of all particles constituting the body is
zero.
OR
A point on the body where the entire weight of the body can be considered to act,
howsoever the body is placed.
Centre of gravity of an irregular body
W=w1+w2+w3
CENTRE OF GRAVITY OF SOME REGULAR
OBJECTS
In case of geometrically symmetric object the centre of gravity lies at the
geometric centre of the body . For eg. For a triangle, the point of
intersection of the median will be the centre of gravity represented as ‘G’
in the figure given beside.
NOTE: centre of gravity may also lie outside the object. For eg. A circular
ring.
CENTRE OF GRAVITY OF AN IRREGULAR
LAMINA