View source for Center of mass

{{short description|Unique point where the weighted relative position of the distributed mass sums to zero}}
{{Use American English|date = August 2019}}
[[File:Bird toy showing center of gravity.jpg|thumb|right|This toy uses the principles of center of mass to keep balance on a finger]]
In [[physics]], the '''center of mass''' of a distribution of [[mass]] in space is the unique point where the [[weight function|weighted]] relative [[position (vector)|position]] of the distributed mass sums to zero. This is the point to which a force may be applied to cause a [[linear acceleration]] without an [[angular acceleration]]. Calculations in [[mechanics]] are often simplified when formulated with respect to the center of mass. It is a hypothetical point where entire mass of an object may be assumed to be concentrated to visualise its motion. In other words, the center of mass is the particle equivalent of a given object for application of [[Newton's laws of motion]].

In the case of a single [[rigid body]], the center of mass is fixed in relation to the body, and if the body has uniform density, it will be located at the [[centroid]].  The center of mass may be located outside the physical body, as is sometimes the case for [[wikt:hollow|hollow]] or open-shaped objects, such as a [[horseshoe]].  In the case of a distribution of separate bodies, such as the [[planets]] of the [[Solar System]], the center of mass may not correspond to the position of any individual member of the system.

The center of mass is a useful reference point for calculations in [[mechanics]] that involve masses distributed in space, such as the [[momentum|linear]] and [[angular momentum]] of planetary bodies and [[rigid body dynamics]]. In [[orbital mechanics]], the equations of motion of planets are formulated as [[point mass]]es located at the centers of mass.  The [[center of mass frame]] is an [[inertial frame]] in which the center of mass of a system is at rest with respect to the origin of the coordinate system.

==History==
The concept of "center of mass" in the form of the '''center of gravity''' was first introduced by the  great ancient Greek physicist, mathematician, and engineer [[Archimedes|Archimedes of Syracuse]]. He worked with simplified assumptions about gravity that amount to a uniform field, thus arriving at the mathematical properties of what we now call the center of mass. Archimedes showed that the [[torque]] exerted on a [[lever]] by weights resting at various points along the lever is the same as what it would be if all of the weights were moved to a single point—their center of mass. In work on floating bodies he demonstrated that the orientation of a floating object is the one that makes its center of mass as low as possible. He developed mathematical techniques for finding the centers of mass of objects of uniform density of various well-defined shapes.{{sfn|Shore|2008|pp=9–11}}

Later mathematicians who developed the theory of the center of mass include [[Pappus of Alexandria]], [[Guido Ubaldi]], [[Francesco Maurolico]],{{sfn|Baron|2004|pp=91–94}} [[Federico Commandino]],{{sfn|Baron|2004|pp=94–96}} [[Simon Stevin]],{{sfn|Baron|2004|pp=96–101}} [[Luca Valerio]],{{sfn|Baron|2004|pp=101–106}} [[Jean-Charles de la Faille]], [[Paul Guldin]],{{sfn|Mancosu|1999|pp=56–61}} [[John Wallis]], [[Louis Carré (mathematician)|Louis Carré]], [[Pierre Varignon]], and [[Alexis Clairaut]].{{sfn|Walton|1855|p=2}}

[[Newton's second law]] is reformulated with respect to the center of mass in [[Euler's laws#Euler's first law|Euler's first law]].{{sfn|Beatty|2006|p=29}}
[[File:CoG stable.svg|thumb|Diagram of an educational toy that balances on a point: the center of mass (C) settles below its support (P)]]
<!---Please put this section back if you can revise it
==Center of gravity==
The term "center of mass" is often used interchangeably with the term '''center of gravity''' because any uniform [[Newton's law of universal gravitation#Gravitational field|gravitational field]] '''g''' acts on a system as if the mass ''M'' of the system were concentrated at the center of mass '''R'''. The center of gravity is defined as the average position of weight distribution, and mass and weight are technically different properties. However, because weight and mass are proportional, the center of gravity and center of mass refer to the same point of an object for almost all objects on and near Earth's surface. Generally, physicists prefer to use the term ''center of mass'', as an object has a center of mass whether or not it is under the influence of gravity. In addition, the term "center of gravity" refers to the single point associated with an object where the force of [[Gravitation|gravity]] can be considered to act,

Specifically, the [[gravitational potential energy]] is equal to the potential energy of a point mass ''M'' at '''R''',{{sfn|Goldstein|Poole|Safko|2001|p=185}} and the gravitational [[torque]] is equal to the torque of a force ''M'''''g''' acting at '''R'''.{{sfn|Feynman|Leighton|Sands|1963|p=19.3}} In a uniform gravitational field, the center of mass is a center of gravity, and in common usage, the two phrases are used as synonyms.

In a non-uniform field, gravitational effects such as [[potential energy]], [[force]], and [[torque]] can no longer be calculated using the center of mass alone. In particular, a non-uniform gravitational field can produce a torque on an object, causing it to rotate. The center of gravity, an application point of the [[resultant force|resultant]] gravitational force, may not exist or not be unique; see [[centers of gravity in non-uniform fields]].
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=={{anchor|Definition of center of mass}}Definition==
The center of mass is the unique point at the center of a distribution of mass in space that has the property that the weighted position vectors relative to this point sum to zero. In analogy to statistics, the center of mass is the mean location of a distribution of mass in space.

===A system of particles===
In the case of a system of particles {{math|1=''P<sub>i</sub>'', ''i'' = 1, …, ''n'' }}, each with mass {{mvar|m<sub>i</sub>}} that are located in space with coordinates {{math|1='''r'''<sub>''i''</sub>, ''i'' = 1, …, ''n'' }}, the coordinates '''R''' of the center of mass satisfy the condition
:<math> \sum_{i=1}^n m_i(\mathbf{r}_i - \mathbf{R}) = 0.</math>
Solving this equation for '''R''' yields the formula
:<math>\mathbf{R} = \frac 1M \sum_{i=1}^n m_i \mathbf{r}_i,</math>
where {{mvar|M}} is the sum of the masses of all of the particles.

===A continuous volume===
If the mass distribution is continuous with the density ρ('''r''') within a solid ''Q'', then the integral of the weighted position coordinates of the points in this volume relative to the center of mass '''R''' over the volume '''V''' is zero, that is
:<math>\iiint\limits_{Q} \rho(\mathbf{r})(\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{R})dV = 0.</math>
Solve this equation for the coordinates '''R''' to obtain
:<math>\mathbf R = \frac 1M \iiint\limits_{Q}\rho(\mathbf{r}) \mathbf{r} dV,</math>
where M is the total mass in the volume.

If a continuous mass distribution has uniform [[density]], which means ρ is constant, then the center of mass is the same as the [[centroid]] of the volume.{{sfn|Levi|2009|p=85}}

===Barycentric coordinates===
{{further|Barycentric coordinate system}}
The coordinates '''R''' of the center of mass of a two-particle system, ''P<sub>1</sub>'' and ''P<sub>2</sub>'', with masses ''m<sub>1</sub>'' and ''m<sub>2</sub>'' is given by
:<math> \mathbf{R} = \frac{1}{m_1+m_2}(m_1 \mathbf{r}_1 + m_2\mathbf{r}_2).</math>
Let the percentage of the total mass divided between these two particles vary from 100% ''P<sub>1</sub>'' and 0% ''P<sub>2</sub>'' through 50% ''P<sub>1</sub>'' and 50% ''P<sub>2</sub>'' to 0% ''P<sub>1</sub>'' and 100% ''P<sub>2</sub>'', then the center of mass '''R''' moves along the line from ''P<sub>1</sub>'' to ''P<sub>2</sub>''.  The percentages of mass at each point can be viewed as projective coordinates of the point '''R''' on this line, and are termed barycentric coordinates. Another way of interpreting the process here is the mechanical balancing of moments about an arbitrary point. The numerator gives the total moment that is then balanced by an equivalent total force at the center of mass. This can be generalized to three points and four points to define projective coordinates in the plane, and in space, respectively.

==={{anchor|Cluster straddling}}Systems with periodic boundary conditions===
For particles in a system with [[periodic boundary conditions]] two particles can be neighbours even though they are on opposite sides of the system. This occurs often in [[molecular dynamics]] simulations, for example, in which clusters form at random locations and sometimes neighbouring atoms cross the periodic boundary. When a cluster straddles the periodic boundary, a naive calculation of the center of mass will be incorrect. A generalized method for calculating the center of mass for periodic systems is to treat each coordinate, ''x'' and ''y'' and/or ''z'', as if it were on a circle instead of a line.<ref>{{cite journal
 | first = Linge
 | last = Bai
 | author2=Breen, David
 | date = 2008
 | title = Calculating Center of Mass in an Unbounded 2D Environment
 | journal = Journal of Graphics, GPU, and Game Tools
 | volume = 13
 | issue = 4
 | pages = 53–60
 | doi =  10.1080/2151237X.2008.10129266
 }}</ref>
The calculation takes every particle's ''x'' coordinate and maps it to an angle,
 
:<math>\theta_i = \frac{x_i}{x_{max}} 2 \pi </math>
 
where ''x''<sub>max</sub> is the system size in the ''x'' direction and <math>x_i\in[0,x_{max})</math>. From this angle, two new points <math>(\xi_i,\zeta_i)</math> can be generated, which can be weighted by the mass of the particle <math>x_{i}</math> for the center of mass or given a value of 1 for the geometric center:
 
:<math> \xi_i = \cos(\theta_i)  </math> 
 
:<math> \zeta_i = \sin(\theta_i) </math>
 
In the <math>(\xi,\zeta)</math> plane, these coordinates lie on a circle of radius 1. From the collection of <math>\xi_i</math> and <math>\zeta_i</math> values from all the particles, the averages <math>\overline{\xi}</math> and <math>\overline{\zeta}</math> are calculated.

:<math>\overline{\xi} = \frac 1M \sum_{i=1}^n m_i \xi_i,</math>
:<math>\overline{\zeta} = \frac 1M \sum_{i=1}^n m_i \zeta_i,</math>

where {{mvar|M}} is the sum of the masses of all of the particles.

These values are mapped back into a new angle, <math>\overline{\theta}</math>, from which the ''x'' coordinate of the center of mass can be obtained:
 
:<math> \overline{\theta} = \mathrm{atan2}(-\overline{\zeta},-\overline{\xi}) + \pi </math>
 
:<math> x_{com} = x_{max} \frac{ \overline{\theta}}{2 \pi} </math>
 
The process can be repeated for all dimensions of the system to determine the complete center of mass. The utility of the algorithm is that it allows the mathematics to determine where the "best" center of mass is, instead of guessing or using [[cluster analysis]] to "unfold" a cluster straddling the periodic boundaries. If both average values are zero, <math>(\overline{\xi},\overline{\zeta}) = (0,0)</math>, then <math>\overline{\theta}</math> is undefined. This is a correct result, because it only occurs when all particles are exactly evenly spaced. In that condition, their ''x'' coordinates are mathematically identical in a [[periodic boundary conditions#Practical implementation: continuity and the minimum image convention|periodic system]].

==Center of gravity==
{{redirect|Center of gravity}}
{{main|Centers of gravity in non-uniform fields}}

A body's center of gravity is the point around which the [[resultant force|resultant torque]] due to gravity forces vanishes. Where a gravity field can be considered to be uniform, the mass-center and the center-of-gravity will be the same.  However, for satellites in orbit around a planet, in the absence of other torques being applied to a satellite, the slight variation (gradient) in gravitational field between closer-to (stronger) and further-from (weaker) the planet can lead to a torque that will tend to align the satellite such that its long axis is vertical.  In such a case, it is important to make the distinction between the center-of-gravity and the mass-center.  Any horizontal offset between the two will result in an applied torque.

It is useful to note that the mass-center is a fixed property for a given rigid body (e.g. with no slosh or articulation), whereas the center-of-gravity may, in addition, depend upon its orientation in a non-uniform gravitational field.  In the latter case, the center-of-gravity will always be located somewhat closer to the main attractive body as compared to the mass-center, and thus will change its position in the body of interest as its orientation is changed.

In the study of the dynamics of aircraft, vehicles and vessels, forces and moments need to be resolved relative to the mass center. That is true independent of whether gravity itself is a consideration.  Referring to the mass-center as the center-of-gravity is something of a colloquialism, but it is in common usage and when gravity gradient effects are negligible, center-of-gravity and mass-center are the same and are used interchangeably.

In physics the benefits of using the center of mass to model a mass distribution can be seen by considering the [[resultant force|resultant]] of the gravity forces on a continuous body.  Consider a body Q of volume V with density ρ('''r''') at each point  '''r''' in the volume.  In a parallel gravity field the force '''f''' at each point '''r''' is given by,
:<math> \mathbf{f}(\mathbf{r}) =  -dm\, g\vec{k}= -\rho(\mathbf{r})dV\,g\vec{k},</math>
where dm is the mass at the point '''r''', g is the acceleration of gravity, and ''k'' is a unit vector defining the vertical direction.
Choose a reference point '''R''' in the volume and compute the [[resultant force]] and torque at this point,
:<math> \mathbf{F} = \iiint\limits_{Q} \mathbf{f}(\mathbf{r})dV =  \iiint\limits_{Q}\rho(\mathbf{r})dV( -g\vec{k}) = -Mg\vec{k},</math>
and
:<math> \mathbf{T} =  \iiint\limits_{Q} (\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{R})\times \mathbf{f}(\mathbf{r})dV = \iiint\limits_{Q} (\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{R})\times   (-g\rho(\mathbf{r})dV\vec{k} )= \left(\iiint\limits_{Q} \rho(\mathbf{r}) (\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{R})dV \right)\times   (-g\vec{k}) .</math>
If the reference point '''R''' is chosen so that it is the center of mass, then
:<math> \iiint\limits_{Q} \rho(\mathbf{r}) (\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{R})dV =0, </math>
which means the resultant torque '''T'''=0.  Because the resultant torque is zero the body will move as though it is a particle with its mass concentrated at the center of mass.

By selecting the center of gravity as the reference point for a rigid body, the gravity forces will not cause the body to rotate, which means the weight of the body can be considered to be concentrated at the center of mass.

==Linear and angular momentum==
The linear and angular momentum of a collection of particles can be simplified by measuring the position and velocity of the particles relative to the center of mass.  Let the system of particles ''P<sub>i</sub>'', ''i''=1,...,''n'' of masses ''m<sub>i</sub>'' be located at the coordinates '''r'''<sub>''i''</sub> with velocities '''v'''<sub>''i''</sub>.  Select a reference point '''R''' and compute the relative position and velocity vectors,
:<math> \mathbf{r}_i = (\mathbf{r}_i - \mathbf{R}) + \mathbf{R}, \quad \mathbf{v}_i = \frac{d}{dt}(\mathbf{r}_i - \mathbf{R}) + \mathbf{v}.</math>
The total linear and angular momentum vectors relative to the reference point '''R''' are
:<math> \mathbf{p} = \frac{d}{dt}\left(\sum_{i=1}^n m_i (\mathbf{r}_i - \mathbf{R})\right) + \left(\sum_{i=1}^n m_i\right) \mathbf{v},</math>
and
:<math> \mathbf{L} = \sum_{i=1}^n m_i (\mathbf{r}_i-\mathbf{R})\times \frac{d}{dt}(\mathbf{r}_i - \mathbf{R}) + \left(\sum_{i=1}^n m_i (\mathbf{r}_i-\mathbf{R})\right)\times\mathbf{v}.</math>

If '''R''' is chosen as the center of mass these equations simplify to
:<math> \mathbf{p} = m\mathbf{v},\quad \mathbf{L} = \sum_{i=1}^n m_i (\mathbf{r}_i-\mathbf{R})\times \frac{d}{dt}(\mathbf{r}_i - \mathbf{R}),</math>
where ''m'' is the total mass of all the particles, '''p''' is the linear momentum, and '''L''' is the angular momentum

The [[Conservation of momentum|Law of Conservation of Momentum]] predicts that for any system not subjected to external forces the momentum of the system will remain constant, which means the center of mass will move with constant velocity.  This applies for all systems with classical internal forces, including magnetic fields, electric fields, chemical reactions, and so on.  More formally, this is true for any internal forces that cancel in accordance with [[Newton's Third Law]].{{sfn|Kleppner|Kolenkow|1973|p=117}}
<!-- this section is redundant and may have some errors----
The total momentum for any system of particles is given by

:<math>\mathbf{p}=m\mathbf{v}_\mathrm{cm},</math>

where ''m'' indicates the total mass, and '''v'''<sub>cm</sub> is the velocity of the center of mass.{{sfn|Kleppner|Kolenkow|1973|p=116}} This velocity can be computed by taking the time derivative of the position of the center of mass. An analogue to [[Newton's laws of motion|Newton's Second Law]] is

:<math>\mathbf{F} = m\mathbf{a}_\mathrm{cm},</math>

where '''F''' indicates the sum of all external forces on the system, and '''a'''<sub>cm</sub> indicates the acceleration of the center of mass. It is this principle that gives precise expression to the intuitive notion that the system as a whole behaves like a mass of ''m'' placed at '''R'''.{{sfn|Kleppner|Kolenkow|1973|p=117}}

The [[angular momentum]] vector for a system is equal to the angular momentum of all the particles around the center of mass, plus the angular momentum of the center of mass, as if it were a single particle of mass <math>M</math>:{{sfn|Kleppner|Kolenkow|1973|p=262}}

:<math>\mathbf{L}_\mathrm{sys} = \mathbf{L}_\mathrm{cm} + \mathbf{L}_\mathrm{around\,cm}.</math>

This is a corollary of the [[parallel axis theorem]].{{sfn|Kleppner|Kolenkow|1973|p=252}}
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==Locating the center of mass==
{{Main|Locating the center of mass}}
[[File:Center gravity 2.svg|thumb|Plumb line method]]
The experimental determination of the center of mass of a body uses gravity forces on the body and relies on the fact that in the parallel gravity field near the surface of the earth the center of mass is the same as the center of gravity.

The center of mass of a body with an axis of symmetry and constant density must lie on this axis.  Thus, the center of mass of a circular cylinder of constant density has its center of mass on the axis of the cylinder.  In the same way, the center of mass of a spherically symmetric body of constant density is at the center of the sphere.  In general, for any symmetry of a body, its center of mass will be a fixed point of that symmetry.{{sfn|Feynman|Leighton|Sands|1963|p=19.3}}

===In two dimensions===
An experimental method for locating the center of mass is to suspend the object from two locations and to drop [[plumb line]]s from the suspension points. The intersection of the two lines is the center of mass.{{sfn|Kleppner|Kolenkow|1973|pp=119–120}}

The shape of an object might already be mathematically determined, but it may be too complex to use a known formula. In this case, one can subdivide the complex shape into simpler, more elementary shapes, whose centers of mass are easy to find. If the total mass and center of mass can be determined for each area, then the center of mass of the whole is the weighted average of the centers.{{sfn|Feynman|Leighton|Sands|1963|pp=19.1–19.2}} This method can even work for objects with holes, which can be accounted for as negative masses.{{sfn|Hamill|2009|pp=20–21}}

A direct development of the [[planimeter]] known as an integraph, or integerometer, can be used to establish the position of the [[centroid]] or center of mass of an irregular two-dimensional shape. This method can be applied to a shape with an irregular, smooth or complex boundary where other methods are too difficult. It was regularly used by ship builders to compare with the required [[Displacement (ship)|displacement]] and [[center of buoyancy]]  <!---[[center of buoyancy]]--->of a ship, and ensure it would not capsize.<ref>{{cite web|title=The theory and design of British shipbuilding. |page=3 of 14|url=http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/amos-lowrey-ayre/the-theory-and-design-of-british-shipbuilding-hci/page-3-the-theory-and-design-of-british-shipbuilding-hci.shtml|work=Amos Lowrey Ayre|accessdate=20 August 2012}}</ref>{{sfn|Sangwin|2006|p=7}}

===In three dimensions===
An experimental method to locate the three-dimensional coordinates of the center of mass begins by supporting the object at three points and measuring the forces, '''F'''<sub>1</sub>, '''F'''<sub>2</sub>, and '''F'''<sub>3</sub> that resist the weight of the object, <math>\mathbf{W} = -W\mathbf{\hat{k}}</math> (<math>\mathbf{\hat{k}}</math> is the unit vector in the vertical direction).  Let '''r'''<sub>1</sub>, '''r'''<sub>2</sub>, and '''r'''<sub>3</sub> be the position coordinates of the support points, then the coordinates '''R''' of the center of mass satisfy the condition that the resultant torque is zero,
:<math>\mathbf{T}= (\mathbf{r}_1-\mathbf{R})\times\mathbf{F}_1+(\mathbf{r}_2-\mathbf{R})\times\mathbf{F}_2+(\mathbf{r}_3-\mathbf{R})\times\mathbf{F}_3=0,</math>
or
:<math>\mathbf{R}\times(-W\mathbf{\hat{k}})= \mathbf{r}_1\times\mathbf{F}_1+\mathbf{r}_2\times\mathbf{F}_2+\mathbf{r}_3\times\mathbf{F}_3. </math>
This equation yields the coordinates of the center of mass '''R'''* in the horizontal plane as,
:<math> \mathbf{R}^* =-\frac{1}{W} \mathbf{\hat{k}}\times(\mathbf{r}_1\times\mathbf{F}_1+\mathbf{r}_2\times\mathbf{F}_2+\mathbf{r}_3\times\mathbf{F}_3).</math>
The center of mass lies on the vertical line L, given by
:<math> \mathbf{L}(t) = \mathbf{R}^* + t\mathbf{\hat{k}}.</math>
The three-dimensional coordinates of the center of mass are determined by performing this experiment twice with the object positioned so that these forces are measured for two different horizontal planes through the object.  The center of mass will be the intersection of the two lines L<sub>1</sub> and L<sub>2</sub> obtained from the two experiments.

== Applications ==

=== Engineering designs ===

==== Automotive applications ====
Engineers try to design a [[sports car]] so that its center of mass is lowered to make the car [[car handling|handle]] better, that is maintaining traction while executing relatively sharp turns. 

The characteristic low profile of the U. S. military [[Humvee]] was designed in part to allow it tilt farther than taller vehicles, without a [[rollover]], because its low center of mass would stay over the space bounded the four wheels even at angles far from the horizontal.

==== Aeronautics ====
{{main|Center of gravity of an aircraft}}

The center of mass is an important point on an [[aircraft]], which significantly affects the stability of the aircraft. To ensure the aircraft is stable enough to be safe to fly, the center of mass must fall within specified limits. If the center of mass is ahead of the [[Center of gravity of an aircraft|forward limit]], the aircraft will be less maneuverable, possibly to the point of being unable to rotate for takeoff or flare for landing.{{sfn|Federal Aviation Administration|2007|p=1.4}} If the center of mass is behind the aft limit, the aircraft will be more maneuverable, but also less stable, and possibly unstable enough so as to be impossible to fly. The moment arm of the [[elevator (aircraft)|elevator]] will also be reduced, which makes it more difficult to recover from a [[stall (flight)|stalled]] condition.{{sfn|Federal Aviation Administration|2007|p=1.3}}

For [[helicopter]]s in [[hover (helicopter)|hover]], the center of mass is always directly below the [[rotorhead]]. In forward flight, the center of mass will move forward to balance the negative pitch torque produced by applying [[Helicopter flight controls#Cyclic|cyclic]] control to propel the helicopter forward; consequently a cruising helicopter flies "nose-down" in level flight.<ref name="Helicopter Centre Of Mass">{{cite web | url=http://www.ultraligero.net/Cursos/helicoptero/Introduccion_a_la_aerodinamica_del%20_helicoptero.pdf | title=Helicopter Aerodynamics | accessdate=23 November 2013 | pages=82 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324063720/http://www.ultraligero.net/Cursos/helicoptero/Introduccion_a_la_aerodinamica_del%20_helicoptero.pdf | archivedate=24 March 2012 }}</ref>

=== {{anchor|Barycenter in astronomy|Barycenter in astrophysics and astronomy|Sun-Jupiter barycenter}} Astronomy ===
{{main|Barycenter}}
[[File:orbit3.gif|thumb|180px|Two bodies orbiting their [[barycenter]] (red cross)]]

The center of mass plays an important role in astronomy and astrophysics, where it is commonly referred to as the ''barycenter''. The barycenter is the point between two objects where they balance each other; it is the center of mass where two or more celestial bodies [[orbit]] each other. When a [[natural satellite|moon]] orbits a [[planet]], or a planet orbits a [[star]], both bodies are actually orbiting a point that lies away from the center of the primary (larger) body.{{sfn|Murray|Dermott|1999|pp=45–47}} For example, the Moon does not orbit the exact center of the [[Earth]], but a point on a line between the center of the Earth and the Moon, approximately 1,710&nbsp;km (1,062&nbsp;miles) below the surface of the Earth, where their respective masses balance. This is the point about which the Earth and Moon orbit as they travel around the [[Sun]]. If the masses are more similar, e.g., [[Pluto#Charon|Pluto and Charon]], the barycenter will fall outside both bodies.

=== Body motion ===
[[File:Fosbury Flop English.gif|thumb|right|Estimated center of mass/gravity of a high jumper doing a Fosbury Flop. Note that it is below the bar in this position.]]

When [[high jump]]ers perform a "[[Fosbury Flop]]", they bend their respective bodies in such a way that they clear the bar while their respective centers of mass do not necessarily do so.{{sfn|Van Pelt|2005|p=185}} Because it is the height of the center of gravity (rather than of the highest part of the body) that constrains the minimum energy investment for "clearing" the bar, "snaking over" the bar can reduce the energy expended in propelling the body upward.

{{main|Kinesiology}}{{anchor|Kinesiology}}
In kinesiology and biomechanics, the center of mass is an important parameter that assists people in understanding their human locomotion. Typically, a human’s center of mass is detected with one of two methods: The [[reaction board]] method is a static analysis that involves the person lying down on that instrument, and use of their [[static equilibrium]] equation to find their center of mass; the segmentation method relies on a mathematical solution based on the [[physical law|physical principle]] that the [[summation]] of the [[torque]]s of individual body sections, [[relative motion|relative to]] a specified [[Axis of rotation|axis]], must equal the torque of the whole system that constitutes the body, measured [[relative torque|relative]] to the same axis.{{sfn|Vint|2003|pp=1–11}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Physics}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Barycenter]]
* [[Buoyancy]]
* [[Center of mass (relativistic)]]
* [[Center of percussion]]
* [[Center of pressure (fluid mechanics)]]
* [[Center of pressure (terrestrial locomotion)]]
* [[Centroid]]
* [[Circumcenter of mass]]
* [[Expected value]]
* [[Mass point geometry]]
* [[Metacentric height]]
* [[Roll center]]
* [[Weight distribution]]
{{div col end}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==References==
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*{{Citation |last=Beatty |first=Millard F. |date=2006 |title=Principles of Engineering Mechanics, Volume 2: Dynamics—The Analysis of Motion |publisher=Springer |series=Mathematical Concepts and Methods in Science and Engineering |volume=33 |isbn=978-0-387-23704-6}}
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==External links==
{{Wiktionary|barycenter}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050212113330/http://www.kettering.edu/~drussell/Demos/COM/com-a.html Motion of the Center of Mass] shows that the motion of the center of mass of an object in free fall is the same as the motion of a point object.
* [http://orbitsimulator.com/gravity/articles/ssbarycenter.html The Solar System's barycenter], simulations showing the effect each planet contributes to the Solar System's barycenter.
* [http://www.physicsdemos.juliantrubin.com/physics_videos/center_of_gravity.html Center of Gravity at Work], video showing objects climbing up an incline by themselves.

{{Automotive handling}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Center Of Mass}}
[[Category:Classical mechanics]]
[[Category:Mass]]
[[Category:Geometric centers|Mass]]