The centre of mass of an object is?the point at which the weight of the object may be considered to act
For a?uniform object?the centre of mass is at the centre of the object where the lines of symmetry intersect
For a?uniform?rod?this will be at its midpoint
For a?uniform rectangular?lamina?this will be where the diagonals intersect
For a?non-uniform?object the centre of mass is not necessarily at the centre of the object
How can I solve problems involving uniform rods?
If you are told that a?rod is uniform?then you can draw the weight at the?midpoint of the rod
If a rod lies on a?support or peg?then there will be a?normal reaction force?which acts?perpendicular to the rod?at that point
If the rod is?suspended?by?strings?or?cables?then there will be?tensions?in the strings which keep the?rod in place
Worked Example
Exam Tip
If there are two supports with unknown reaction forces then choosing the pivot to be at one of the supports will help to find the force at the other support. The same method works with strings too.
Non-uniform Rods
How do I find the centre of mass of a non-uniform rod in equilibrium?
Step 1: Label the weight of the rod at a random point on the rod
Step 2:?Call?the perpendicular?distance?between the pivot and the weight?x
Or any letter of your choice
Step 3:?Form?a?moment equation?using the fact that the rod is in?equilibrium
Step 4:?Solve?the equation to find?x
Worked Example
Exam Tip
Make sure you read carefully which distance you are asked to find.