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Topic Centre of gravity
Asked 2 times across 2 UPSC exams over 37 years (1989–2026), peaking in 1989.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 1 of 2 PYQs
- Most asked in 1989
- Recurs across 2 years (1989–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1989 → GEO 2026
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (1 of 2) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
GEO2026
A rigid body is placed on a horizontal table. When slightly disturbed, its centre of gravity moves horizontally without any rise or fall in its position. Which one of the following correctly describes the state of the body?
- A The body is in stable equilibrium.
- B The body is in unstable equilibrium.
- C The body is in neutral equilibrium.
- D The body's state cannot be determined.
Answer key not yet available (pending official release)
Science & Technology › Physics & Chemistry
CSE1989
A chair is tilted about two of its legs and then left. It would return to its original position if
- A Its centre of gravity falls outside the base.
- B Its centre of gravity falls within the base. ✓
- C It is tilted through an angle of 60°
- D None of these
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Science & Technology › Physics & Chemistry
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