Center of Gravity (CoG) is defined as which?

• A. Center Point of Total Mass (Depends on Mass Distribution)
• B. Center Point of Total Mass (Independent of Gravity)
• C. Center Point of Total Body Weight (Depends on Gravitational Field)
• D. Center of Pressure

Answer: (C)

Center of gravity is the point at which the total weight of a body can be considered to act. Because weight is mass times the local gravitational field, the location of this point depends on gravity. In a uniform gravity field, the center of gravity aligns with the center of mass (the average location of mass). If gravity isn’t uniform, the resultant weight can act at a different spot, shifting the CoG. You want the description that says it’s the center point of total body weight and that its position depends on the gravitational field, which is exactly what CoG represents. The center of mass is a related concept that doesn’t depend on gravity, and the center of pressure is a distinct idea tied to the point where ground reaction forces act.