Center of mass
Also: COM, mass center
The weighted-average location of an object's mass.
Translational motion responds as if net force acts on total mass at this point; gravity may be modeled there in a uniform field.
- Formula
r_cm = Σmᵢrᵢ/Σmᵢ
Example Moving a battery changes a robot's center of mass and tipping margin.
Common misconception The center of mass need not lie inside the material of a hollow or curved object.