Consider the following statements regarding stability of floating bodies : 1. If metacentre (M) lies above centroid (G), then the body is said to be in unstable equilibrium. 2. If metacentre (M) lies below centroid (G), then the body is said to be in unstable equilibrium. 3. If metacentre (M) coincides with centroid (G), then the body is said to be in stable equilibrium. Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
- A1 and 3
- B2 and 3
- C2 onlyCorrect
- D1 only
Solution
Concept
Stable, neutral and unstable equilibrium
Step-by-step solution
1. M above G → stable (statement 1 false). 2. M below G → unstable (statement 2 true). 3. M coincides with G → neutral equilibrium (statement 3 false).
Explanation
Stability of a floating body depends on the sign of the metacentric height GM = M − G.
Why the other options are wrong
Statement 1 reverses stable and unstable; statement 3 should read neutral.
Shortcut
M above G stable; at G neutral; below G unstable.
Common mistake
Mixing up stable and unstable.
Correct answer: C) 2 only