Centre of gravity: past paper questions

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• Question 7May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Four blocks are made of the same metal. They have the same volume and weight. They are placed as shown in the diagrams.

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• Question 7Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Two identical containers, P and Q, are partly filled with different quantities of sand. The position of the centre of gravity for each container is labelled X. Which container is more stable and what is the reason why it is more stable?

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2023, paper 41Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  A radio transmitter is a very tall, thin cylinder. It is prevented from falling over by wires which have one end fixed to the transmitter and the other end fixed in the ground. The ends of the wires in the ground are a long distance from the transmitter.

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• Question 7May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  What is the name of the point through which the weight of an object appears to act?

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• Question 2May/June 2025, paper 42Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 2.1 shows a balanced, uniform metre ruler made of wood. The width of the metre ruler is $2.6\times {10}^{-2}\text{ m}$ and the thickness of the ruler is $6.0\times {10}^{-3}\text{ m}$. Define the ‘moment’ of a force in words.

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• Question 6Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 mark

  What is the point at which the weight of an object appears to act?

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• Question 9May/June 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  An irregularly shaped metal plate is freely suspended from a point P and is in equilibrium, as shown. Point Q is vertically below P. Which statement about the position of the centre of gravity of the metal plate is correct?

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2024, paper 41Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  Define the moment of a force and describe the effect that it measures.

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• Question 9May/June 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Three children’s toys, X, Y and Z, are the same size and shape. They have weights at different positions inside so that the position of the centre of gravity of each toy is different.

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• Question 3May/June 2026, paper 31Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  Figure 3.1 shows two containers, A and B, partly filled with water. Explain why container A is more stable than container B.

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• Question 9May/June 2023, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  It is important that an electric table lamp with a lamp shade does not get knocked over easily. Which statement is correct?

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• Question 3May/June 2024, paper 32Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 3.1 shows two solid shapes, a cylinder and a cone, which are made from the same material. State and explain which shape is the more stable.

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• Question 2May/June 2023, paper 31Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 2.1 shows a concrete beam resting on the ground. The weight of the concrete beam is 1540 N. Calculate the pressure on the ground due to the concrete beam.

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• Question 2May/June 2024, paper 33Structured5 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 2.1 shows a road sign on the ground. A strong wind blows and the sign begins to fall over. A man catches the sign before it falls completely.

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