What factors affect a ship's stability?

The correct choice focuses on fundamental concepts of stability in naval architecture. Key factors such as the center of gravity, center of buoyancy, and weight distribution directly influence a ship's stability.

The center of gravity refers to the point at which the total weight of the vessel is considered to act; if this point is too high, the ship becomes unstable. The center of buoyancy is the center of the underwater volume of the ship and changes as the ship heels (leans over). Stability is achieved when the center of buoyancy moves to counterbalance the center of gravity, providing restoring moments when the ship is heeled.

Additionally, weight distribution affects how the ship behaves in the water. An uneven distribution of weight can lead to excessive rolling or pitching, compromising stability. Therefore, understanding these concepts is essential for maintaining a vessel’s balance and overall safety at sea.

Other factors, while they can influence stability to some extent, do not have the same fundamental basis in the principles of naval architecture.