Which method would be most helpful in locating the center of gravity of an irregularly shaped object?

• A. Suspending the object from different points and tracing vertical lines downward from each suspension point
• B. Measuring the object's mass using a balance
• C. Heating the object and observing its thermal expansion
• D. Calculating the object's volume by water displacement

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the center of gravity of an object is the point where the entire weight of the object can be considered to act.
2. Recognize that for irregularly shaped objects, the center of gravity is not always at the geometric center, so direct measurement methods are needed.
3. Consider suspending the object from a point and allowing it to hang freely; the center of gravity lies somewhere along the vertical line (plumb line) from the suspension point.
4. Repeat the suspension from different points and draw vertical lines downward from each suspension point; the intersection of these lines indicates the center of gravity.
5. Note that other methods like measuring mass, heating, or volume displacement do not directly help locate the center of gravity.