The GATE Grind

GATE 2020 CE (CE1) – Question 23

Fluid Mechanics · Properties of fluids, fluid statics · 1 mark · Multiple choice

A body floating in liquid is in stable equilibrium when its ______.

  1. metacentre is above its centre of gravity
  2. metacentre is below its centre of gravity
  3. metacentre coincides with its centre of gravity
  4. centre of gravity is below its centre of buoyancy

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) metacentre is above its centre of gravity

Explanation

Positive metacentric height GM produces a restoring moment after a small heel. Therefore the general floating-body criterion is **M aboveG,A**. Coincidence is neutral equilibrium;M belowG is unstable.