The diagram shows a T-shaped object made from two identical uniform rectangular strips of metal joined together. Which point is closest to the centre of gra...
Question 1 Report
The diagram shows a T-shaped object made from two identical uniform rectangular strips of metal joined together.
Which point is closest to the centre of gravity of the T-shaped object?
Answer Details
The centre of gravity of a composite object is the single point where the entire weight can be considered to act. For a T-shape made of two identical strips, each strip has the same mass. The horizontal strip has its centre of gravity at its geometric centre (the midpoint of the top bar), and the vertical strip has its centre of gravity at its geometric centre (the midpoint of the vertical bar, well below the junction).
The overall centre of gravity lies on the axis of symmetry (the vertical line through the middle), at a position between the two individual centres. Since both strips have equal mass, the combined centre of gravity is exactly halfway between them. This point falls near the junction where the two strips meet, slightly below the top of the vertical strip. Of the labelled points, P is nearest to this location.
Points further down the vertical strip (like Q) would only be correct if the vertical strip were much heavier. A point at the centre of the horizontal strip alone (like R) ignores the mass below the junction. The centre of gravity must lie on the axis of symmetry, which eliminates any off-centre point.
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