🔍 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.