Centroid - Center of Mass (Gravity)
Centroid
The point of a triangle where all three triangles or their "masses" meet at the same point, called centroid.
Center of Mass
The center of mass is a position defined relative to an object or system of objects. For simple rigid objects with uniform density, the center of mass is located at the centroid.
How it Works?
Triangle ABC has been divided in three smaller triangles sharing the centroid as a vertex.
The areas of the triangles are given.
Drag the Vertices A, B, or C.
Question 1 After you changed the size of the triangle, did the areas of all 3 triangles changed?
Question 2 What can you conclude about the Centroid of the triangle? Why the Centroid could be also called "Center of Mass" or "Center of Gravity"? Explain.
EXAMPLE - Find the Center of Mass of the Rock
Steps of Locating the Center of Mass (Gravity)
Step 1: Draw a Triangle
Step 2: Find the Midpoints
Step 3: Find the Center of Mass
Step 4: Circle the Center of Mass
Step 2: Find the Midpoints
Step 3: Find the Center of Mass
Step 4: Circle the Center of MassExample
Task 1
Find the "Center of Mass" of the Skateboarder
Task 2
Find the "Center of Mass" of the NASA Space Shuttle
Find the "Center of Mass" of the Inflatable Boat
Find the "Center of Mass" of the Motorcycle
EXIT TICKET After you have located the centroid or the "Center of Mass", in your opinion, do you think these are the points where the object would be in perfect balance? Explain.