Center of Gravity and Stability Flashcards

A forklift carries a heavy load at a raised height. Compared to carrying the same load at ground level, the forklift is:

Answer: Less stable because the center of gravity is higher

Raising a load raises the combined center of gravity, reducing stability and increasing tip-over risk.

Two identical boxes are placed on a shelf — one near the front edge and one near the back. Which arrangement is more stable?

Answer: Box near the back edge

The box placed farther from the edge (near the back) has its center of gravity well within the support base, making it more stable.

A tall filing cabinet and a short, wide file drawer unit have the same weight. Which is more likely to tip over when a top drawer is pulled open?

Answer: The tall filing cabinet

The tall cabinet has a higher center of gravity, so opening a top drawer shifts weight farther from the base, increasing tip-over risk.

A boat has passengers who all move to one side. What happens to the boat's stability?

Answer: Stability decreases as the center of gravity shifts toward the side

Shifting all passengers to one side moves the center of gravity laterally, reducing stability and risking capsizing.

A ladder leaning against a wall is more stable when:

Answer: The base is spread farther from the wall at a shallower angle

A shallower ladder angle places the base farther out, widening the support base and lowering the effective center of gravity.

Which vehicle configuration has the highest center of gravity?

Answer: A loaded dump truck with the bed fully raised

A dump truck with the bed raised places a large load mass high above the chassis, dramatically raising the center of gravity.

An L-shaped bracket is bolted to a wall and supports a horizontal shelf. The center of gravity of objects placed on the shelf is located:

Answer: Above the bracket, shifted toward the outer edge of the shelf

Objects on the horizontal shelf have their center of gravity above the shelf surface and outward from the wall, creating a cantilever load.