Our Center of Gravity Paradox seems to violate the rule that the lower a system’s center of gravity, the more stable it is. The device includes a 120cm aluminum rod and a sliding brass weight. Have students balance the rod on a fingertip with the weight at several heights on the rod. They discover that the device is more stable when the mass is at a high setting. Use to discuss perceptions about center of gravity and introduce angular acceleration and moment of inertia.
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