What is the Difference Between Centroid and Centre of Gravity?

The centroid and center of gravity are related concepts, but they differ in terms of their definitions and the factors they depend on. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Definition: The centroid is the geometric center of a uniform density object, meaning the object has its weight distributed equally across all body parts. The center of gravity, on the other hand, is the point where gravity acts on the body. It is the point where the total weight of the body is concentrated.
2. Uniformity of Mass Distribution: The centroid is applicable to objects with uniform density, where the density is the same throughout the object. The center of gravity is a broader term that encompasses both symmetrical and asymmetrical objects, regardless of the uniformity of mass distribution.
3. Calculation: The centroid can be calculated using the plumb line method or by taking the mean of the median. The center of gravity can be calculated by the equation W=S x dw.
4. Equivalence: If an object has a uniform density (i.e., it is homogeneous), the center of gravity is equivalent to the centroid. However, for objects with non-uniform mass distribution, the center of gravity and centroid are different points in the body.

In summary, the centroid is the geometric center of a uniformly dense object, while the center of gravity is the point where gravity acts on the body. The two concepts are the same for objects with uniform density, but they differ for objects with non-uniform mass distribution.

Comparative Table: Centroid vs Centre of Gravity

Here is a table highlighting the differences between the centroid and the center of gravity: