What factor primarily influences the position of the center of mass in a uniform object?

The position of the center of mass in a uniform object is primarily influenced by the distribution of mass within the object. The center of mass is a point that represents the average position of all the mass in an object, taking into account how mass is spread throughout its volume.

In a uniform object, if the mass is evenly distributed, the center of mass will be located at the geometric center. However, if there are variations in how the mass is distributed (for example, if one side of the object is denser or has more material), the center of mass will shift towards the area with greater mass concentration. Thus, the distribution of mass directly affects where this point is located.

While the object's shape can influence how mass is distributed, it is the actual distribution of mass—meaning how the mass is laid out spatially—that determines the specific location of the center of mass. Factors like the density of the material or temperature may affect overall mass but do not fundamentally influence where the center of mass is located for an object with uniform density.