Sarkari RiseLogin
NDA 2026 · PYQ · Fluid Mechanics / Floating Bodies · medium

A floating body is in stable equilibrium. Which one of the following is correct?

  1. A.Centre of gravity of the body is above its centre of buoyancy
  2. B.Centre of gravity of the body is below its centre of buoyancy
  3. C.Centre of gravity of the body coincides with its centre of buoyancy
  4. D.Centre of gravity of the body is below the metacentre✓ Correct

Explanation

For a floating body to be in stable equilibrium, the metacentre must be above the centre of gravity. When the body tilts slightly, the centre of buoyancy shifts to a new position, and the vertical line through this new centre of buoyancy intersects the original vertical axis at a point called the metacentre. If the metacentre is above the centre of gravity, a restoring couple is created that returns the body to its original position—this is stable equilibrium. Therefore, the centre of gravity must be below the metacentre. The centre of gravity can be above or below the centre of buoyancy in stable equilibrium (e.g., ships have CG above CB but are still stable due to metacentre being above CG).
💡 Practice unlimited NDA PYQs + AI-tracked progress on each topic. Sign up free →

Want more NDA practice?

Free daily 10-Q quiz · adaptive mocks · 4,000+ verified PYQs · AI doubt solver in Hindi + English

Sign up freeMore Fluid Mechanics / Floating Bodies practice