Stability and position of the center of mass:

The position of the center of mass of an object plays an important role in its stability. To make them stable, their center of mass must be kept as low as possible.

 

Examples:

1. Height of vehicles (racing cars) is kept low:

It is due to this reason; that racing cars are made heavy at the bottom and their height is kept to be minimum.

 

2. Walking of circus artists on a tight rope:

Circus artists such as tight rope walkers use long poles to lower their center of mass. In this way, they are prevented from toppling over.

 

3. Sewing needle fixed in a cork:

The figure shows a sewing needle fixed in a cork. The cork is balanced on the tip of the needle by hanging forks. The forks lower the center of mass of the system.

 

1. Perch parrot:

Figure (a) shows a perched parrot that is made heavy at its tail. Figure (b) shows a toy that keeps itself upright when tilted. It has a heavy semi-spherical base. When it is tilted, its center of mass rises. It returns to its upright position at which its center of mass is at its lowest.