Question 2033Deck Safety70% to pass
Unstable equilibrium exists at small angles of inclination when _______________.
AI Explanation
The correct answer is B) G is above M.
Unstable equilibrium exists at small angles of inclination when the metacenter (M) is below the center of gravity (G). In this case, any small disturbance will cause the vessel to continue heeling over, instead of returning to an upright position. This is because the righting moment (the force trying to right the vessel) acts to increase the heel, rather than decrease it.
The other options are incorrect because they do not describe the condition for unstable equilibrium. A) G off the centerline and D) B off the centerline do not directly affect the stability, while C) B above G would actually result in stable equilibrium.
Related Questions
#2031 The center of buoyancy and the metacenter are in the line of action of the buoyant force _______________.#2032 The vertical distance between G and M is used as a measure of _______________.#2034 If the vertical center of gravity (VCG) of a ship rises, the righting arm (GZ) for the various angles of inclination will _______________.#2035 When stability of a vessel is neutral, the value of GM _______________.#2036 GM cannot be used as an indicator of stability at all angles of inclination because _______________.