WBCS.LIVE practice question

For a floating body to be in stable equilibrium where should its centre of buoyancy be located?

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. At the centre of gravity
  2. Above the centre of gravity
  3. Below the centre of gravity
  4. It may anywhere

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Above the centre of gravity

Explanation: For a floating body to be in stable equilibrium, the centre of buoyancy must lie above the centre of gravity. 📚 Other Information: ▪️ Centre of buoyancy = point where buoyant force acts. ▪️ Stability depends on metacentric height. ▪️ Ships are designed with low centres of gravity. ▪️ If CG is above CB, the body becomes unstable and capsizes. ▪️ Example: a boat floats stably when weight distribution is balanced. ▪️ Submarines adjust buoyancy using ballast tanks. ▪️ This concept is crucial in naval architecture. ▪️ Archimedes’ principle explains buoyancy.