What is the point of balance of a piece of cargo referred to as?

The point of balance of a piece of cargo is most accurately referred to as the center of gravity. This term describes the specific point where the weight of the object is evenly distributed in all directions. It is crucial for determining how an object will behave when subjected to forces such as lifting or moving. Understanding the center of gravity helps in properly loading cargo to ensure stability and control, particularly in aviation and transport applications.

The center of mass is a related concept that refers to the average position of all the mass in an object, which can be the same as the center of gravity for uniform gravitational fields. The term center of balance, though intuitive, is less commonly used in formal contexts and is often considered synonymous with center of gravity rather than a technically precise term. The center of distribution is not typically used in reference to cargo balance and does not convey the same specific meaning as center of gravity or center of mass. Each of these terms has distinct definitions, making the center of gravity the most appropriate choice in this context.