Introduction

In this Section we show how the idea of integration as the limit of a sum can be used to find the centre of mass of an object such as a thin plate (like a sheet of metal). Such a plate is also known as a lamina . An understanding of the term moment is necessary and so this concept is introduced.

Prerequisites

• understand integration as the limit of a sum
• be able to calculate definite integrals

Learning Outcomes

• calculate the position of the centre of mass of a variety of simple plane shapes