Where does a spoon balance?

The longer answer

Gravity pulls on every bit of an object. The balance point is the spot where all that pull evens out, so the object can rest on it without tipping one way or the other.

For something even all the way along, like a ruler, the balance point is right in the middle. For something with a heavy end, like a spoon, a hammer or a baseball bat, it moves toward the heavy end.

A lower balance point makes things harder to tip over. That is why wide, heavy-bottomed toys bounce back up when you push them, and why it is easier to balance on one leg with your arms spread out.

Three things to know

• A tightrope walker carries a long pole to help them balance. The heavy pole pulls the walker's balance point down closer to the rope, which makes them much harder to tip over.
• A seesaw balances when the heavy side sits closer to the middle. A big person near the middle can balance a small person at the very end.
• Your body finds its balance point every time you stand on one leg. You lean a little without thinking, moving your balance point over the foot still on the ground.

Try it at home: Find the balance point

1. Hold a spoon across one finger, right in the middle. Does it stay up?
2. Slide your finger slowly toward the bowl end until the spoon balances.
3. Try a ruler, a pencil and a fork. Guess first where each will balance.
4. Rest a ruler across two fingers and slide them slowly together. They always meet at the balance point.

Stand on one leg with your arms by your sides, then with your arms spread wide. Which is easier?