A ship's metacentric height (GM) is found to be negative while she is upright and floating in calm water. Which of the following best describes the vessel's condition and immediate behavior? (16)

(a) The ship is in stable equilibrium and will return to upright after a small angle of heel.

(b) The ship is in unstable equilibrium, she will heel to some angle of loll and remain there in stable equilibrium at that heel.

(c) The ship is in neutral equilibrium and will float at any angle of heel with no tendency to move.

(d) The ship will capsize immediately and cannot achieve any stable floating condition.

Briefly Justify Your Answer