I'm trying to think of a formal word to describe the "tipping point" of an object.
This would be the same point at which an object would be perfectly balanced.
I'm trying to think of a formal word to describe the "tipping point" of an object.
This would be the same point at which an object would be perfectly balanced.
Are you looking for the center of gravity?
An object will balance when its center of gravity (the place where all of its mass, on the average, resides) is over the point of support. The larger the base, the more stable the object is.
Source - Exploratorium
A fulcrum is the pivot point for a lever; but it can also be used as the balancing point of an object.
Physics the point on which an object balances or turns [Macmillan]
A simple diagram to illustrate:
More like sliding than tipping and (metaphorically) more to do with an objects 'place' in a hierarchy; added to the top (of the pile), it falls to the bottom.
Angle of Repose -Wiki
the maximum angle at which an object can rest on an inclined plane without sliding down.
If you have complaints; get in line, the suggestion box has reached an angle of repose.
I wavered on posting this, until I saw it linked to the tipping point wiki. A single word may exist that is more concise, but I believe that tipping point is the correct terminology.