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CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science P1.5.3 Centre of gravity Exam Style Questions Paper 1

CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science Paper 1 - All Chapters

Question

The diagram shows four objects, P, Q, R and S, with uniform density, resting on different horizontal surfaces. The objects are all drawn to the same scale.

The surfaces are slowly tilted through an angle \(\theta\) until the object falls over.

For which object is the value of \(\theta\) the greatest?

A. object P
B. object Q
C. object R
D. object S

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Object Q has the widest base and the lowest centre of gravity compared to the other objects. A wider base and lower centre of gravity increase stability, meaning a greater angle of tilt is required before the object topples over. Objects with a narrow base or high centre of gravity (like P and S) will fall over at smaller angles. Therefore, Q requires the greatest value of \(\theta\) to fall over.
✅ Answer: (B)

Question

The diagram shows four containers resting on a table. The containers have equal masses and square bases of equal areas. The centre of mass of each container is labelled X.

Which container is the most stable?

▶️ Answer/Explanation
An object is more stable when its centre of mass X is positioned lower and the line down from X stays well within the base.
A lower centre of mass means the container has to be tilted further before X passes outside the base, so it is harder to topple.
The container with the lowest-positioned centre of mass X is therefore the most stable.
✅ Answer: (D)

Question

Three objects X, Y, and Z are at rest on a table. The centre of mass of each object is labelled M.

What is the order of stability of these three objects, from most stable to least stable?

A. X → Y → Z

B. Y → Z → X

C. X → Z → Y

D. Z → Y → X

▶️Answer/Explanation

Answer: D

Explanation: The stability of an object depends on the position of its centre of mass. The lower the centre of mass, the more stable the object. Therefore, Z (lowest centre of mass) is the most stable, followed by Y, and then X (least stable).

Question

A parachutist and his parachute have a combined weight W. The parachutist falls vertically towards the Earth’s surface. The force of air resistance R opposes his motion.
The speed of the parachutist is constant.

Which statement about the forces on the parachutist is correct?
A W and R are both equal to zero.
B W is equal to R and greater than zero.
C W is greater than R.
D W is less than R.

▶️Answer/Explanation

Ans : B

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