What does subtracting KG from KM yield?

Question 1 of 27070673956e598d45f16831b6e0d

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Question 1 of 27070

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What does subtracting KG from KM yield?

🔍 Key Concepts

• KM (Metacentric height above keel) and what it represents in ship stability • KG (Centre of gravity above keel) and how loading affects it • Relationship between KM, KG, GM, BM, GZ in basic stability formulas

💭 Think About

• Think about which quantity tells you the ship’s initial stability or ‘stiffness’—is that based on the distance between K and G, or between G and another point? • Start from the standard stability formula that includes KM and KG—what is the usual expression written on stability data sheets? • Ask yourself: which of the options (KG, GM, GZ, BM) is defined directly as a difference between two vertical distances measured from the keel?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear that KM and KG are both heights measured above the keel (K), not horizontal distances • Recall which term is specifically defined as: KM − KG = ? • Verify that GZ is a righting arm (a horizontal lever), while BM is a metacentric radius, and decide whether either of those comes from simply subtracting two vertical heights