Mechanics: Irregular Shape

PIRA Class: 1J10.15

Purpose:
To find the center of mass of an irregular object.

Description:
With the use of a plumb bob, the center of mass of an irregular object is found.

1. Mount & suspend plumb bob and the object from any drilled hole.

2. Mark plumb line w/ chalk.

3. Repeat suspending template from one or two more holes. The chalk lines should intersect at the center of mass.

4. Demonstrate that the intersection is the CM by balancing that point on a marker or marking it with tape and throwing the template showing it rotates around the tape.

Equipment:
Irregular shape(s), plumb bob, ring stand, chalk, colored tape

Location:
Shelf 122 (plumb bobs and irregular shapes are in the Center of Gravity box), ring stand is Shelf 153, tape is in a drawer across from PHYS-102 door