Centre of Mass and stability

Question 1

Centre of mass

Answer 1

-The centre of mass is the point at which an object is balanced in all directions

Question 2

Effect of centre of mass on balance

Answer 2

-A lower centre of mass will increase the balance of an object e.g a lower body position during a rugby tackle will be more balanced than an upright body position during a rugby tackle
-A heightened centre of mass will decrease the balance of an object

Question 3

Stability

Answer 3

Stability is how easily movable a body is from its position of balance

Question 4

Factors affecting stability

Answer 4

-Height of centre of mass= the lower the centre of mass, the greater the stability e.g if a rugby player has a lower body position when clearing out a ruck, they will have increased stability
-Mass= the greater the mass of an object the higher the stability of an object e.g a 70 kg rugby player will have less stability than a 100kg prop when making a tackle
-Base support size= the wider/larger the base of support is the larger the stability will be e.g a rugby player with a wide stance will be more stable when making a tackle than a rugby player with an upright stance

Question 5

Maximising stability

Answer 5

-Widen base of support
-Increase the mass of the object e.g heavier tennis racker more stable
-Decrease height of centre of mass e.g bend knees during serve