What is one way you might increase the stability of an object?

• A. Shorten the base of the object
• B. Lower the center of gravity
• C. Raise the center of gravity
• D. Increase the height of the object

Answer: (B)

Lowering the center of gravity increases stability because the weight acts closer to the base of support, making it harder for a disturbance to tip the object. When the center of gravity is lower, the line of gravity stays within the base for a larger tilt, increasing the resistance to tipping and reducing the tipping moment from a given push.

Raising the center of gravity or increasing the height moves the weight higher, which lowers the tipping threshold and makes tipping easier. Shortening the base reduces the contact area with the ground, also lowering stability. So the most effective way to increase stability is to lower the center of gravity.