Unique point where the weighted relative position of the distributed mass sums to zero
This toy uses the principles of center of mass to keep balance when sitting on a finger.
In physics, the center of mass of a distribution of mass in space (sometimes referred to as the barycenter or balance point) is the unique point at any given time where the weighted relative position of the distributed mass sums to zero. This is the point to which a force may be applied to cause a linear acceleration without an angular acceleration. Calculations in mechanics are often simplified when formulated with respect to the center of mass. It is a hypothetical point where the entire mass of an object may be assumed to be concentrated to visualise its motion. In other words, the center of mass is the particle equivalent of a given object for application of Newton's laws of motion.
In the case of a single rigid body, the center of mass is fixed in relation to the body, and if the body has uniform density, it will be located at the centroid. The center of mass may be located outside the physical body, as is sometimes the case for hollow or open-shaped objects, such as a horseshoe. In the case of a distribution of separate bodies, such as the planets of the Solar System, the center of mass may not correspond to the position of any individual member of the system.
The center of mass is a useful reference point for calculations in mechanics that involve masses distributed in space, such as the linear and angular momentum of planetary bodies and rigid body dynamics. In orbital mechanics, the equations of motion of planets are formulated as point masses located at the centers of mass (see Barycenter (astronomy) for details). The center of mass frame is an inertial frame in which the center of mass of a system is at rest with respect to the origin of the coordinate system.
of inertia, otherwise known as the mass moment of inertia, angular/rotational mass, second moment ofmass, or most accurately, rotational inertia, of...
gravitational field. If a first body ofmass mA is placed at a distance r (centerofmass to centerofmass) from a second body ofmass mB, each body is subject to...
mass, rest mass, intrinsic mass, proper mass, or in the case of bound systems simply mass, is the portion of the total massof an object or system of...
the "rest mass" of a "system". Thus, invariant mass is a natural unit ofmass used for systems which are being viewed from their centerof momentum frame...
term binary star is generally restricted to pairs of stars which revolve around a common centerofmass. Binary stars which can be resolved with a telescope...
as a substitute for the older terms "centerof gravity" and "centerofmass" when the purely geometrical aspects of that point are to be emphasized. The...
parallel axis through the object's centerof gravity and the perpendicular distance between the axes. Suppose a body ofmass m is rotated about an axis z passing...
different wheels of even perfectly rigid vehicles during acceleration the change in centerofmass (CoM) location relative to the wheels because of suspension...
In physics, reduced mass is a measure of the effective inertial massof a system with two or more particles when the particles are interacting with each...
Mass media include the diverse arrays of media that reach a large audience via mass communication. Broadcast media transmit information electronically...
The MassMutual Center (formerly Springfield Civic Center) is a multi-purpose arena and convention center complex located in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts...
analogue to mass (which determines an object's resistance to linear acceleration). The moments of inertia of a mass have units of dimension ML2 ([mass] × [length]2)...
of an object is the form of energy that it possesses due to its motion. In classical mechanics, the kinetic energy of a non-rotating object ofmass m...
circumcenter ofmass is a center associated with a polygon which shares many of the properties of the centerofmass. More generally, the circumcenter ofmass may...
coefficient of restitution. vCoM is the velocity of the centerofmassof the system of two particles. v1 (vA1 or vB1) is the initial velocity of the particle...
have shown that a bike stays upright when it is steered to keep its centerofmass over its wheels. This steering is usually supplied by a rider, or in...
interrelated. Consequently, another modification is the concept of the centerofmassof a system, which is straightforward to define in classical mechanics...
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