Increase the 1,000 lb item from 14 inches to 18 inches while keeping 500 lb at 20 inches; total weight 1,500 lb; CG approximately?

Increase the 1,000 lb item from 14 inches to 18 inches while keeping 500 lb at 20 inches; total weight 1,500 lb; CG approximately?

• A. 18.0 inches
• B. 19.0 inches
• C. 18.7 inches
• D. 17.5 inches

Answer: (C)

Center of gravity is found by taking the weighted average of the load positions. Multiply each weight by its distance (arm), sum those moments, and divide by the total weight. Here the 1,000-lb item moves to 18 inches and the 500-lb item stays at 20 inches. Total moment = 1,000 × 18 + 500 × 20 = 18,000 + 10,000 = 28,000 in-lb. Total weight = 1,500 lb. CG = 28,000 / 1,500 ≈ 18.666... inches, about 18.7 inches. To see the shift, the initial CG with the 1,000-lb item at 14 inches would be (1,000×14 + 500×20) / 1,500 = 24,000 / 1,500 = 16 inches. Moving the heavier item farther out raises the CG toward that side, ending up near 18.7 inches.

Center of gravity is found by taking the weighted average of the load positions. Multiply each weight by its distance (arm), sum those moments, and divide by the total weight.

Here the 1,000-lb item moves to 18 inches and the 500-lb item stays at 20 inches. Total moment = 1,000 × 18 + 500 × 20 = 18,000 + 10,000 = 28,000 in-lb. Total weight = 1,500 lb. CG = 28,000 / 1,500 ≈ 18.666... inches, about 18.7 inches.

To see the shift, the initial CG with the 1,000-lb item at 14 inches would be (1,000×14 + 500×20) / 1,500 = 24,000 / 1,500 = 16 inches. Moving the heavier item farther out raises the CG toward that side, ending up near 18.7 inches.