How does the center of mass influence stability?

The center of mass plays a crucial role in determining the stability of an object or system. When the center of mass is lower, it effectively lowers the potential energy of the system. This makes it less likely for the object to topple over, as a lower center of mass means that a larger angular displacement is required before the object reaches a tipping point. Essentially, the system is able to resist disturbances more effectively, which contributes to overall stability.

For instance, consider a wide, heavy base of an object like a sports car compared to a tall, narrow structure like a skyscraper. The sports car, with a lower center of mass, is less likely to tip over during sharp turns, while the skyscraper, with a higher center of mass, is more susceptible to instability from wind or seismic activity. Thus, a lower center of mass is instrumental in promoting stability, allowing structures and vehicles to maintain their balance and resist tipping over during dynamic conditions.