The original equilibrium position is always...

The original equilibrium position is always...

Question 1 of 2707066636eec28f7522a1c51c966

The original equilibrium position is always unstable when __________.

Question 1 of 27070

Study area:

Study area:

Q

The original equilibrium position is always unstable when __________.

No Illustration

This question does not have an illustration

🔍 Key Concepts

• initial stability and what metacentric height (GM) represents • relationship between KG (height of center of gravity) and KM (height of metacenter) • what happens to a ship if GM is negative vs when free surface effects or high KG just reduce GM

💭 Think About

• Think about which situation guarantees that even a very small heel will keep increasing instead of returning the vessel toward upright. • Ask yourself: in which choice is it certain that the righting arm starts out in the wrong direction at small angles of heel? • Consider which option describes a geometric/actual condition of the ship at that moment, rather than a limit or contributing factor that could exist without making the ship immediately unstable.

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear on the definition: GM = KM − KG and how its sign (positive/negative) affects stability at small angles. • Distinguish between conditions that reduce GM and the specific condition where equilibrium is already unstable at the upright position. • Check which answer describes a state that is always unstable, not just risky or possibly unstable.