Matt Quirk


Point at the center of an object’s weight
distribution, where the force of gravity can be
considered to act
Stability depends on the location of the center
of gravity

Baseball bat




A baseball follows a smooth parabolic path
Baseball bat does not, wobbles
Point however stays on parbolic path even though
rest of bat does not
Motion of bat is sum of two motions:
 a spin around the point
 Movement through the air where all the weight is
concentrated at one point.

This is the center of gravity.

Center of gravity of an object is the point
located at the object’s average position of
weight


On a baseball bat, more weight at one end than the
other – heavier end
Objects made out of different materials have a
different center of gravity
 Ex. Baton – heavier on one side

Why is the Center of Gravity of a baseball bat
not at its midpoint?

A baseball bat is heavier at one end than the
other so therefore, the center of gravity will be
closer to one end of the baseball bat.