Bennett Mechanical Test Structures and Center of Gravity 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Two workers carry a uniform plank by holding its two ends. If a heavy box is placed on the plank closer to worker A, who bears more weight?
- Worker A (Correct answer)
- Worker B
- Both equal
- Neither, the plank holds it
Correct answer: Worker A
The closer support carries more load because the load's weight is distributed inversely to distance from each support.
Question 2: Where is the center of gravity of a uniform solid sphere located?
- At its geometric center (Correct answer)
- On its surface
- Near the top
- It has none
Correct answer: At its geometric center
A uniform sphere has its center of gravity exactly at its geometric center.
Question 3: A pyramid stands on its wide base. Why is it very stable?
- Low center of gravity and wide base (Correct answer)
- High center of gravity
- Narrow base
- It is hollow
Correct answer: Low center of gravity and wide base
A wide base and low center of gravity make tipping difficult, giving high stability.
Question 4: To make a tall stack of blocks more stable, you should add weight where?
- At the bottom (Correct answer)
- At the top
- On one side
- It does not matter
Correct answer: At the bottom
Adding weight at the bottom lowers the center of gravity, increasing stability.
Question 5: An object tips over when its center of gravity passes beyond what?
- The edge of its base of support (Correct answer)
- Its own height
- The midpoint
- The center of the room
Correct answer: The edge of its base of support
Tipping occurs once the vertical line through the center of gravity falls outside the base of support.
Question 6: A symmetrical I-beam is supported at both ends with equal length overhangs. Where is its center of gravity?
- At its midpoint (Correct answer)
- At the left end
- At the right end
- Outside the beam
Correct answer: At its midpoint
A symmetrical uniform beam has its center of gravity at the midpoint.
Question 7: Which structure better resists being pushed over by wind: a wide squat building or a tall thin tower of the same weight?
- The wide squat building (Correct answer)
- The tall thin tower
- Both equally
- Neither resists wind
Correct answer: The wide squat building
The squat building has a lower center of gravity and wider base, resisting overturning better.
Bennett Mechanical Test Structures and Center of Gravity 2
Two workers carry a uniform plank by holding its two ends.
If a heavy box is placed on the plank closer to worker A, who bears more weight?