What is the relationship between righting arm and stability?

The correct understanding of the relationship between righting arm and stability is grounded in the principles of naval architecture. The righting arm refers to the horizontal distance between the center of gravity and the center of buoyancy when a vessel is heeled over. A larger righting arm indicates that the vessel has a greater ability to return to an upright position after being tilted by an external force, such as wind or waves.

When a vessel heels, the buoyancy force acts through the center of buoyancy, and the weight acts through the center of gravity. A larger righting arm means that there is a more significant torque generated to restore the vessel to an upright position. This increased torque enhances the vessel's stability, allowing it to handle more severe conditions without capsizing, making it safer in various maritime environments.

The other options present concepts that do not align with the established relationships in vessel dynamics. They either misinterpret the fundamental principles of stability or introduce irrelevant factors that do not impact the stability provided by the righting arm. The larger righting arm is inherently linked to increased stability, reinforcing the understanding of vessel behavior in marine conditions.