Read more at source.
Read more at source.
The center of mass is often defined as the point where all of the gravitational force acts. While this is a useful approximation for many physics problems, it's not entirely accurate. Gravitational force actually acts on all parts of an object, not just one point. In the context of an airplane, each passenger contributes to the overall weight distribution and center of mass.
To fully grasp the center of mass, one must understand torque. According to Newton's second law, a net force changes the motion of an object. If the net force is zero, the motion of the object won't change. However, when equal and opposite forces are applied at different points, the object rotates. This is due to the net torque not being zero. Torque is essentially the rotational equivalent of force, and it depends on the force applied and the point of application.
In an airplane, changing your seat can be compared to applying a force at a different point on an object. It alters the torque and consequently the balance of the plane. Even though the overall force (weight of the passengers) remains the same, the distribution changes, impacting the center of mass and the torque. This is why flight attendants insist on passengers maintaining their assigned seats.
Even a single passenger changing seats on an airplane can alter the torque and consequently the balance of the plane. This is why flight attendants insist on passengers maintaining their assigned seats.
