Mechanics > Motion in two dimensions > Motion of the Center of Mass

CodeDemo NameDescription
1D40.10 Center of Mass: Beach Ball
Center of Mass Beach Ball Demo.
Center of Mass Beach Ball Demo.
Center of Mass: Beach BallBy throwing an inflated beach ball with sand inside, into the the air while rotating center of mass is displayed. The video is done in slow motion in order to better depict the motion.
1D40.10 Center of Mass: Couple System
Center of Mass Coupled System
Center of Mass Coupled System
Center of Mass: Couple SystemUsing a coupled system we demonstrate the center of mass of an object bound to another object of different size.
1D40.10 Center of Mass of an Odd Shape
Center of Mass of an Odd Shape Demo
Center of Mass of an Odd Shape Demo
Center of Mass of an Odd ShapeOdd shape is used to demonstrate center of mass. A line is drawn across the shape it hangs in different positions showing the center of mass is at the same point. The point is then shown to be the center of mass by spinning it at the point.
1D40.10 Center of Mass of Thrown Objects
Center of Mass of Thrown Objects Demo
Center of Mass of Thrown Objects Demo
Center of Mass of Thrown ObjectsUsing numerous objects center of mass is found. A large tennis ball, NJ Styrofoam cut-out, beach ball with sand inside, and a coupled system (2 different sized balls connected by a string) are all demonstrated and explained.
1D40.10 Center of Mass: New Jersey
NJ cut-out Demo
NJ cut-out Demo
Center of Mass: New JerseyCenter of mass is explained using an irregular shape. Thrown in a parabolic path center of mass if represented by a dot on the cut-out.
1D40.10 Center of Mass: Tennis Ball
Center of Mass Tennis Ball
Center of Mass Tennis Ball
Center of Mass: Tennis BallCenter of mass of a tennis ball (basic object/shape) is demonstrated by throwing it across the room in a parabolic path.
1D40.10 Motion of Center of MassThis is is a video which was made in order to represent center of mass of objects while they are in motion.
1D40.14 2 Ball System
1D40.56 Center of Mass in an Explosion
Center of Mass in an Explosion
Center of Mass in an Explosion
Center of Mass in an ExplosionDemonstration using Pasco cars and track to represent the center of mass during an explosion.
1D40.71 Rolling UphillTwo types of weird rollers: one in which the center of mass remains at a uniform distance from the surface as it wobbles down an incline, and two which although non round have a constant diameter.
Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with Rutgers University and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist. Rutgers University is not responsible for any demonstrations performed by those using their own or others equipment, or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose. The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources. Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here, entails inherent risks. These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition, and property loss or damage. Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.


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