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  • Word comparison: center of mass vs. center of gravity

center of mass vs. center of gravity

center of mass vs. center of gravity: 's the difference?

Center of mass refers to the point at which the entire mass of a body may be considered concentrated. Center of gravity refers to the point through which the gravitational forces on a body passes and from which the resultant force of attraction of the body on other bodies emanates. The two are often found in the same place, but can only be exactly identical when the gravitational field is completely even across an object.

center of mass

noun

Mechanics.
  1. the point at which the entire mass of a body may be considered concentrated for some purposes; formally, the point such that the first moment of a physical or geometric object about every line through the point is zero. Compare moment ( def 8 ).

center of gravity

noun

  1. Mechanics. the point through which the resultant of gravitational forces on a body passes and from which the resultant force of attraction of the body on other bodies emanates: coincident with the center of mass in a uniform gravitational field.
  2. a person, thing, or idea that is the vital or pivotal focus of interest or activity within a larger entity.