PHYSICS PROJECT
CENTRE OF GRAVITY
DECEMBER 18, 2024
The concept of the Centre of Gravity (CG) is
fundamental in understanding the balance of
objects. It refers to the point where the entire
weight of an object can be considered to act,
regardless of its shape or mass distribution. This
project explores the determination of the Centre of
Gravity of three different objects: an irregular
lamina, a scalene triangle, and a circular surface.
By conducting practical experiments and using
basic principles of physics, this project will
demonstrate how the Centre of Gravity can be
located in different shapes and how it varies with
each object. The experiments will involve both
theoretical calculation and hands-on procedures.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who
supported and guided me throughout the
completion of this Physics project.
I am sincerely thankful to my Physics teacher for
their encouragement and valuable insights, which
greatly contributed to my understanding of the
subject and successful execution of this project.
I also extend my gratitude to my school, Future
Campus School, for providing the resources and
support needed for this work.
A heartfelt thanks to my family and friends for
their constant motivation and assistance which
made this project possible.
Soumyadeep Sarkar
XI-C
Sl Topic Page Teacher’s
no. no. Remarks
1 Acknowledgement
2 Aim and material
3 Theory
4 Procedure
5 Observations
6 Precautions
7 Sources of Error
8 Bibliography
Materials Required:
1. Scalene Triangle:
Scalene triangle
Ruler or Measuring tape
Protractor
Compass
Pencil and Paper
2. Irregular Lamina:
Irregular lamina
Ruler or Measuring tape
Protractor
Pin and Thread method
Scissors
Graph paper
3. Circular Surface:
Circular surface
Ruler
Compass
Protractor
Measuring tape
Center of Gravity (CG)
The center of gravity (CG) is the point at which
the entire weight of an object can be considered to
act. For a uniform object, the Center of Gravity
coincides with the centroid, which is the
geometric center. In objects with non-uniform
density, the Center of Gravity is calculated based
on the distribution of mass.
Methods to Find Centre of Gravity:
1. Scalene Triangle:
The Centre of Gravity is located at the
centroid, where the three medians
intersect.
2. Irregular Lamina:
Divide the lamina into simpler shapes,
calculate their centroids, and then find the
combined Centre of Gravity using the
principle of moments.
Alternatively, use the suspension method
or balancing method.
3. Circular Surface:
For a uniform circular surface, the
Centre of Gravity is at the center of the
circle. For non-uniform density,
integration is used to find the Centre of
Gravity.
Experimental Methods:
Suspension Method: Suspend the object and
draw vertical lines to find the Centre of
Gravity.
Balancing Method: Balance the object on a
knife-edge; the point where it balances is the
Centre of Gravity.
Importance:
The Centre of Gravity determines the stability
of objects. A lower Centre of Gravity
increases stability, while a higher Centre of
Gravity can lead to instability.
1. Steps for Finding Centre of Gravity of an
Irregular Lamina:
Take an irregular lamina (cardboard or wood).
Suspend the lamina from a fixed point using a
string.
Attach a plumb line to the point of suspension
and let the lamina hang freely.
Mark the vertical line traced by the plumb line.
Repeat the procedure by suspending the
lamina from a different point.
The intersection of the two vertical lines will
give the Centre of Gravity.
2. Steps for Finding CG of a Scalene Triangle:
Take a scalene triangle made of cardboard.
Use a ruler to draw the medians of the triangle
(the medians connect the midpoints of sides to
the opposite vertices).
The point where all three medians intersect is
the Centre of Gravity.
3. Steps for Finding Centre of Gravity of a
Circular Surface:
Take a circular disk.
Suspend the disk from a small point on its
edge.
Use a plumb line to draw the vertical line
passing through the point of suspension.
Rotate the disk slightly and suspend it from
another point on the edge.
The intersection of the two lines will give the
Centre of Gravity.
1. Irregular Lamina
The lamina balances at a specific point where the
lines from both suspensions intersect.
The point of intersection is marked as the Centre
of Gravity.
2. Scalene Triangle
The medians of the scalene triangle intersect at a
single point.
This point is the Centre of Gravity of the triangle.
3. Circular Surface
The two vertical lines from different suspension
points intersect at the Centre of Gravity at the
center of the circle.
Irregular Suspension: If the object is not
suspended properly, the Centre of Gravity may not
be accurately found.
Measurement Errors: Incorrect measurement of
distances and angles while drawing medians or
suspending the object can lead to inaccuracies.
Shape Assumptions: Assuming the lamina or
surface is perfectly symmetrical when it is not
could lead to small errors.
Through this project, we have successfully
determined the centre of gravity for three different
shapes: an irregular lamina, a scalene triangle, and
a circular surface. The methods used—suspension
and balancing—are effective for finding the Centre
of Gravity, particularly for irregular shapes where
calculations may be complex. This experiment
helped us understand the practical applications of
the concept of centre of gravity in real-life
scenarios.
1. Lab Manual:
Title: Together With Physics Lab Manual For
Class 11
Publisher: Rachna Sagar
Year: 2024
2. School Resources:
Practical Work: Conducted in the school
laboratory under supervision.
Observations: Recorded during practical
sessions as per the lab guidelines provided by
the school.
Submitted by:
Name: Soumyadeep Sarkar
Class: 11
Roll Number: 38
Section: C
School: Future Campus School
