EXSC 408L

Problem Set #3
Center of Mass

Fall '03

Center of Mass
Problems :
1.

Use the following table to determine a) the (x,y) coordinates for the CM position for both the upper arm and
forearm, and b) the CM position for the whole arm (without the hand).

Shoulder
Elbow
Wrist

X
0.94
0.69
0.76

Y
1.91
1.75
1.49

m= 68.0 kg
Fore Arm
Upper Arm

CM % from
Proximal
46.08
57.72

Mass %
1.62
2.71

%Mass

Upper Arm
Fore Arm
Total Arm
2.

When using the segmental method to calculate total body center of mass (TBCM), you find that the TBCM of a
person standing erect is located exactly above the pelvis (top of iliac crest). What would happen to the TBCM
position if this person bends down to lift an object? Explain. What would happen to the TBCM position if this
person raises her arms? Explain.

3.

Explain why the center of gravity position at takeoff in a jump and reach may be different than at landing. To
receive complete credit you must indicate what factors influence the location of the bodys center of gravity.

4.

Given the following x and y coordinates for the joint positions, calculate the CM position (x, y) for the leg as a
system (thigh, shank, foot).

Hip
Knee
Ankle
Heel
Toe

5.

Y
1.410
0.995
0.607
0.548
0.496

m = 68 kg
Thigh
Shank
Foot

CM % from
Proximal
36.12
44.16
40.14

Mass %
14.78
4.81
1.29

Given the following x and y coordinates for the joint positions, calculate the CM position (x,y) for the thigh.

Hip
Knee
Ankle
Heel
Toe

6.

X
2.30
2.34
2.17
2.07
2.35

X
2.19
2.00
1.73
1.63
1.71

Y
1.47
1.08
0.78
0.79
0.54

m = 68 kg
Thigh
Shank
Foot

CM % from
Proximal
36.12
44.16
40.14

Mass %
14.78
4.81
1.29

Given that the coordinates of the TBCM of the entire human body facing to the right are (2.33, 1.65), what is
the TBCM position relative to the ankle, knee, and hip?

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EXSC 408L
Problem Set #3
Center of Mass

7.

Fall '03

When the person moves from position A to position B, the total body center of gravity
a. moves up.
b. moves down.
c. moves completely outside the body.
d. does not change.
e. does not include the arm segments.

Position A

Position B

8.

All of the following are factors involved in determining the location of the total body center of gravity except:
a. Position of body segments
b. Weight of body segments
c. Defined body segment parameters
d. a and b only
e. All of the above are factors required in determining the location of the TBCG.

9.

The data below represents the weighted locations of the total body center of gravity for a long-jumper at landing
with his arms behind him and with his arms in front of him. What is the difference in the location of the
athletes total body center of gravity in the x direction between the two conditions?

Foot
Shank
Thigh
Hand
Forearm
Upper Arm
Head
Trunk

ARMS BEHIND
Weighted
Weighted
location in X
location in Y
0.045
0.003
0.267
0.119
0.589
0.389
0.034
0.276
0.135
0.399
0.222
0.467
0.377
0.678
0.978
0.876

ARMS IN FRONT
Weighted
Weighted
location in X
location in Y
0.045
0.003
0.267
0.119
0.589
0.389
0.654
0.276
0.739
0.399
0.822
0.467
0.377
0.678
0.978
0.876

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EXSC 408L
Problem Set #3
Center of Mass

Fall '03

Answers:
1.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Upper Arm: (0.796, 1.82) 1.84 kg

ForeArm: (0.722, 1.63) 1.1 kg,
Total Arm (0.75, 1.7) 2.94 kg
(2.29, 1.11)
(2.12, 1.33)
In front of and above the knee, hip, and ankle
a
e
1.824 m

Bonus Problem:

1)
TBCM = (1.2,1)

After toe-off of the support leg, the sprinter is in

___________________ phase of the gait cycle
and the TBCM is shifted _____________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

550N

double support, up
single support, up
non-support, up
single support, down
non-support, down

1200N

CP = (0, 0)

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