Final answer:
Vehicle balance is about the distribution of a vehicle's weight and its interaction with external forces. The center of gravity plays a vital role in maintaining stability during maneuvers such as turns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vehicle balance refers to the distribution of the weight of a vehicle and how this weight interacts with the forces at play when the vehicle is in motion or at rest. The center of gravity is a critical concept in understanding vehicle balance as it represents the point where the total weight of a vehicle is assumed to be concentrated. When making a turn, for example, part of riding a bicycle involves leaning at a correct angle to maintain stability. The force exerted by the ground must align with the bicycle's center of gravity to ensure stable, balanced movement. This is because the force can be resolved into two components: friction parallel to the road, which provides the centripetal force needed for the turn, and the normal force, which must equal the system's weight.
In the context of a car, the equilibrium conditions take into account the weight distribution across the axles. The car may enter a state of dynamic equilibrium when moving at constant velocity, a condition where the net external forces, both horizontal and vertical, are zero. The applied force between the tires and the road is balanced by air friction, and the car's weight is supported by the normal forces. The choice of pivot point, often the center of gravity, for analyzing these forces is critical in understanding the vehicle's equilibrium.