Advanced Math/centroid

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Expert: - 7/15/2006


Question
Is it possible for the centroid of a lamina to
be a point outside the lamina; for example, if
the lamina is very crescent shaped?

Answer
Hi, Justin,

You wrote:

Is it possible for the centroid of a lamina to
be a point outside the lamina; for example, if
the lamina is very crescent shaped?

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It is very possible.  For proof, just watch the track and field section of the next Olympic games, particularly the High Jump event.  This is a highly skilled performance in which the jumper contrives that his center of mass (centroid) passes under the bar while his body passes over it.  

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