🔍 Key Concepts

• Metacenter (M) and center of gravity (G) relationship • Difference between stable, neutral, and unstable equilibrium • How GM (metacentric height) relates to a vessel’s righting ability

💭 Think About

• Think about what happens to the vessel if you give it a small heel: does it return, stay where you put it, or keep going over? Which of those describes neutral equilibrium? • In neutral equilibrium, what must the righting moment be when the vessel is given a small angle of heel? How does that relate to the distance between M and G? • Which option describes a specific vertical relationship between the metacenter and the center of gravity, rather than just a location on the ship’s length or waterplane?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear on the definitions: stable equilibrium (M where, compared to G?), unstable equilibrium, and neutral equilibrium • Check which choice talks about M relative to G, not relative to the keel, midships, or waterplane area • Remember: in neutral equilibrium, the metacentric height GM is what value? Relate that to the vertical positions of M and G.