Explain the term "righting moment."

The term "righting moment" refers to the force that acts to restore a vessel to an upright position when it has been tilted or heeled over due to external forces such as wind or waves. This moment arises from the combination of the vessel's weight and its center of gravity, as well as its buoyancy and the center of buoyancy when the vessel is heeled.

When a vessel tilts, the center of buoyancy shifts, and this shift creates a leverage effect that works to bring the vessel back to an upright position. A larger righting moment indicates a greater ability of the vessel to resist tipping and return to an upright state, which is a crucial factor in determining the stability of the vessel.

Understanding the righting moment is vital for safe navigation and operation, as it influences how a vessel behaves in various conditions and affects its overall seaworthiness. This concept is fundamental in naval architecture and is directly related to the design and stability properties of ships and boats.