What factors determine the center of gravity of an object?

The center of gravity of an object is influenced by a combination of its weight, shape, and the distribution of that weight. The center of gravity is the point at which the total weight of the body is considered to act.

When analyzing how weight contributes to the center of gravity, it's essential to recognize that it doesn't solely depend on the weight itself but also on how that weight is spread out throughout the object's shape. For instance, an object with a symmetrical shape might have a center of gravity that is located at its geometric center, while an irregularly shaped object might have its center of gravity shifted towards the side where more weight is concentrated.

Additionally, the distribution of weight plays a critical role. Different configurations of mass can lead to different centers of gravity even in objects of the same weight. For example, if a barbell has equal weights on each end, its center of gravity is at the center, but if more weight is added to one end, the center of gravity will shift toward the heavier end.

Thus, understanding how the weight, shape, and distribution come together helps in accurately determining the center of gravity, making the selected answer comprehensive and accurate.