What procedure can be used to determine the center of gravity for a small load with a flat bottom?

Determining the center of gravity for a small load with a flat bottom can effectively be done by setting it on a small roller. When the load is positioned on a roller, it can pivot around the roller's axis. This allows the load to easily rock until it finds its equilibrium position, which will indicate the center of gravity. The center of gravity is located directly above the point of support when the body is balanced.

Using this method is beneficial as it can provide a quick visual confirmation of where the center of gravity lies without needing specialized tools or measurements. It is particularly useful for flat-bottomed loads, as the surface is stable and allows for accurate positioning.

Other options, while they have their uses in different contexts, do not directly or reliably aid in finding the center of gravity for flat-bottomed loads. Rolling it down a slope may introduce variables like friction and uneven surface interactions that would not accurately reflect the center of gravity. Weighing the load at different points requires more detailed setup and analysis without yielding a clear point of balance. Measuring dimensions alone does not effectively indicate where the center of gravity is for irregular shapes, especially if weight distribution is uneven.