Center of gravity

The point at which an object's weight can be treated as concentrated when analyzing its balance and motion. In a uniform gravitational field, it coincides with the center of mass.

Center of mass: The mass-weighted average position of the matter in a system. In a uniform gravitational field, this point coincides with the center of gravity.
Mass: A physical property that measures inertia and the amount of matter in an object. The distribution of mass determines where the center of gravity lies in a uniform field.
Stability: The ability of a system to resist disturbances or return toward equilibrium. The height and position of the center of gravity affect resistance to tipping.
Centroid: The geometric center of a shape or a region. It matches the center of gravity only when mass distribution and gravitational conditions permit.
Torque: The rotational effect of a force about a point or axis. An object's weight produces torque according to its line of action relative to a pivot.
Weight: The gravitational force exerted on an object by a nearby celestial body. The center of gravity is defined through the resultant weight acting on an object.
Tipping: Rotation of a supported body past the point where it can remain balanced. Tipping begins when the weight's line of action no longer falls within the support.
Geometric center: A point defined by an object's shape rather than its mass or weight distribution. An irregular density can place the center of gravity away from the geometric center.
Gravitational field: A region in which masses experience gravitational force. Changes in the field across an object can separate its center of gravity from its center of mass.
Moment of a force: A measure of a force's tendency to rotate a body about a point or axis. Balancing moments provides a practical way to locate a body's center of gravity.

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