When loading a delivery van, crew members are instructed to place the heaviest boxes on the floor of the van rather than on the high overhead shelves.
Why is this?
It keeps the centre of mass low, making the van more stable.
It reduces the total air resistance acting on the van.
It reduces the overall mass of the van, allowing it to travel faster.
It raises the centre of mass, making the van easier to steer.
245 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 1.5 Forces, covering 1.5.1a Forces, resultant force and motion, 1.5.1b Load–extension graphs and the spring constant, 1.5.1c Friction and drag, 1.5.1d Force, mass and acceleration, 1.5.1e Motion in a circular path, 1.5.2a Moment of a force, 1.5.2b Principle of moments and equilibrium, and 1.5.3 Centre of gravity and stability. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.