Final answer:
Cargo weight in a vehicle should be distributed at the center of gravity or center of mass, located over the axles, to maintain stability and proper equilibrium.
Step-by-step explanation:
To distribute cargo weight optimally in a vehicle, it should be placed at the center of gravity or center of mass (CM), ideally over the axles. The Example 12.1 provided showcases a passenger car with a 2.5-m wheelbase where 52% of its weight is on the front wheels. If you wanted to determine the location of the CM in this car with respect to the rear axle, you would use the car's wheelbase and weight distribution to calculate it. This is important for vehicle stability, as having the CM properly aligned over the axles ensures that the vehicle remains in equilibrium and can resist tipping over.
Understanding the distribution of mass in a vehicle is crucial to ensure safe and stable handling. As shown in the provided figure and examples, the CM represents the point where the entire weight of the object can be considered to act and therefore is a key factor in understanding the vehicle's stability and dynamics. For a stable position, the center of gravity must be within the area of support; otherwise, the vehicle risks tipping over.