[Virginia Tech Department of Physics]

 Lecture Demonstrations
Mechanics
   

M65: Center of Gravity Toys

 

Purpose: To exhibit equilibrium of torques and/or center of gravity.
Description: Toys for illustrating center of mass, center of gravity, and static equilibrium

 
Sky Hook:

Show the sky hook, illustrating that it cannot be supported only under its tip. Insert a belt as shown. Demonstrate that it now can be supported by its tip only.

 
Leaning tower:

With the cap removed the tower is stable.

With the cap in place the tower will tip over.
 
V shaped ramp:

The double cone shaped object will roll up the ramp as it lowers its center of mass.
 
Weighted cylinder:

This cylinder has an off center weight hidden in it. If placed carefully on a ramp it will not roll down.

 

You may also request a piece of 2x4 wood, a cylinder, and a C-clamp to show where the center of mass would be in a rectangular box, a cylinder, and then an irregular shape.

Equipment List: Storage Location: CHEMP 130A

 

 Sky Hook: A comma-shaped piece of wood, a relatively stiff belt. D5.4
  Leaning tower with cap D5.4
  V shaped ramp, double cone D5.4
  Weighted cylinder D5.4

References:

Manual: None   Setup Notes: M65 PIRA #:
Manufacturer(s): VT Other school's Demonstration web pages

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