
What is the difference between the center of gravity and the center of mass?
Answer
543.3k+ views
- Hint: In these types of queries, the definition of center of gravity and center of mass, such as the similarities/differences between them and the properties of center of mass and center of gravity should be considered.
Complete step-by-step solution:
The center of mass can be defined as it is a fixed location relative to an object or group of objects. This is the average position of all elements of the system, weighted by their masses.
An object's center of gravity can be defined as the position where weight is spread equally and both sides are in equilibrium. The center of gravity of a human being will shift when he takes multiple locations, but in most other objects it is a constant location.
Mass center and center of gravity are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. For example, if you drop a bowling ball, the force of gravity will cause it to fall to the ground. If you have the same quantity of mass on your right as you have on your left and the same quantity above that you have below and the same quantity in front as you have behind you, then you must be in the center of mass. The bowling ball also has a center of gravity, the point at which gravity appears to be at work, or in other words, it is the total of all the gravity forces on all of the object's particles.
Note: In the above question there can be a case where the center of mass and center of gravity is pretty much in the same position for the bowling ball but they're NOT the same. It turns out that they are only the same when the gravitational field across the object is uniform.
Complete step-by-step solution:
The center of mass can be defined as it is a fixed location relative to an object or group of objects. This is the average position of all elements of the system, weighted by their masses.
An object's center of gravity can be defined as the position where weight is spread equally and both sides are in equilibrium. The center of gravity of a human being will shift when he takes multiple locations, but in most other objects it is a constant location.
Mass center and center of gravity are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. For example, if you drop a bowling ball, the force of gravity will cause it to fall to the ground. If you have the same quantity of mass on your right as you have on your left and the same quantity above that you have below and the same quantity in front as you have behind you, then you must be in the center of mass. The bowling ball also has a center of gravity, the point at which gravity appears to be at work, or in other words, it is the total of all the gravity forces on all of the object's particles.
Note: In the above question there can be a case where the center of mass and center of gravity is pretty much in the same position for the bowling ball but they're NOT the same. It turns out that they are only the same when the gravitational field across the object is uniform.
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

Difference Between Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE

1 Quintal is equal to a 110 kg b 10 kg c 100kg d 1000 class 11 physics CBSE

Draw a diagram of nephron and explain its structur class 11 biology CBSE

Explain zero factorial class 11 maths CBSE
