Calculation and measurement of center of mass: An all-in-one activity using Tangram puzzles

Abstract

[Media: see text] We present a simple, low-cost activity for students in a university-level introductory physics course. The main objective of the activity is to calculate and experimentally measure the center of mass of a 2D Tangram figure using complementary techniques. First, the algebraic and numerical results for the center of mass of the Tangram pieces are checked analytically and using mathematical software. Students then create their own Tangram figure and calculate its center of mass using formulas from physics tables. CAD software is also used to obtain the figure's center of mass. Finally, the center of mass is measured experimentally, and a comparison with the theoretical results is made. The modularity of the activity allows instructors' flexibility to design an ad hoc activity to emphasize individual subjects according to the needs of their course.