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Forces - Centre of Mass 01
The frequency of a simple pendulum if the time period is ten seconds is 0.1Hz.

Forces - Centre of Mass 01

In this GCSE Physics quiz you will explore the centre of mass, learn how to balance objects, and test methods for finding it in regular and irregular shapes.

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Fascinating Fact:

You can find the centre of mass of a flat, irregular shape by hanging it from different points and drawing plumb lines.

In GCSE Physics, the centre of mass is used to explain balance, stability, and tipping. You learn how to locate the centre of mass for simple shapes and card cut-outs, and how this links to moments and real structures such as bridges, cranes, and sports equipment.

  • Centre of mass: The point where the whole mass of an object can be thought of as being concentrated.
  • Equilibrium: A situation where all forces and moments are balanced so the object does not accelerate or topple.
  • Plumb line: A piece of string with a weight on the end that hangs straight down to show a vertical line.
What is the centre of mass in GCSE Physics?

The centre of mass is the point where all the mass of an object can be treated as if it were concentrated. In calculations, forces such as weight are often shown acting at this point.

How do you find the centre of mass of an irregular shape?

To find the centre of mass of an irregular card shape, hang it from different holes, use a plumb line to draw straight vertical lines, and mark where the lines cross as the centre of mass.

Why is centre of mass important in forces and motion?

The centre of mass is important because it helps you predict whether an object will topple, how it will move when forces act, and how to design stable objects and structures.

1 .
What does the time period depend on?
Force with which the pendulum is released
Width of string used in the pendulum
Length of the pendulum
All pendulums have the same time period
A longer length of pendulum will increase the time period of the oscillation. Conversely, a shorter pendulum will have a shorter period of oscillation
2 .
What is centre of mass?
It is the point at which the mass of an object may be thought to be concentrated
The point at which an object has no mass
A number of points across an object which measure the same mass
None of the above
For large bodies like the Sun and planets, their gravitational field appears to originate from their centre of mass
3 .
A freely suspended object will come to rest with its centre of mass directly below which point?
Point of recession
Point of suspension
The centre of mass doesn't lie directly below any point
None of the above
This is the position of lowest gravitational potential energy and therefore the most stable arrangement
4 .
How can you locate the centre of mass of an irregular object?
Suspend the object from two locations and drop a plumb line from the suspension points
Suspend the object from one location and drop a plumb line from the suspension point
Measure to the centre of the object
None of the above
Where the two lines made by the plumb line cross is the centre of mass
5 .
What is the frequency of a simple pendulum if the time period is ten seconds?
0.01 Hz
0.1 Hz
1 Hz
10 Hz
One hertz = one complete swing of the pendulum in one second so in this case, just one tenth of a complete swing occurs in one second
6 .
What is the formula for the period of oscillation for a simple pendulum?
T = 2f
T = 3f
T = 4f
T = 1f
The time period for a simple pendulum is related to the frequency of the pendulum. Knowing the time period or the frequency will allow you to work out the other
7 .
Where is the centre of mass located on a rectangle of length 5 cm and width 3 cm if the mass is distributed evenly throughout the object?
(1.5,2.5)
(3,5)
(2.5,1.5)
(5,3)
For an object such as this, the centre of mass is at the centre
8 .
What is the time period if the frequency is 100 Hz?
1 s
0.1 s
0.01 s
0.001 s
This is a simple case of substituting the figures into the formula
9 .
Where is the centre of mass located in a regularly shaped object?
Along an axis of symmetry
Always in the centre of the object
Always 2cm to the left of the centre
Always 2cm to the right of the centre
For a non-symmetrical object, it is more difficult to find
10 .
A simple pendulum oscillates 50 times per second. What is the frequency of the pendulum?
25 Hz
50 Hz
75 Hz
100 Hz
You don't even need to use the equation for this, all you need to know is the definition of hertz
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Mass and weight

Author:  Martin Moore

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