12.1.4. Experiment: Metacentric Height

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is metacentric height?

   Hint

   Think about how this relates to balance.

2. 2.

   What percentage of an iceberg is typically visible above water?

   Hint

   Consider the ratio of submerged volume.

3. 3.

   What is metacentric height?

   • Distance from the center of buoyancy to the water surface
   • Distance from center of buoyancy to the metacenter
   • Distance from the water surface to the metacenter

   Hint

   Think about where the metacenter is located.

4. 4.

   True or False: Only a small part of an iceberg is visible above water.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the ratio we discussed earlier.

5. 5.

   A ship has a metacentric height of 2 meters. If additional weight raises the center of gravity by 0.5 meters, discuss the impact on the ship's stability and provide calculations to support your answer.

   Hint

   Consider how raising the center of gravity affects equilibrium.

6. 6.

   In a naval engineering simulation, an iceberg's base temperature rises, causing underwater melting. Calculate how this shift changes the stability conditions and respond with a safety proposal for nearby vessels.

   Hint

   Account for the ratio of submerged to visible parts of the iceberg.