When cargo is shifted, what remains unchanged according to the principles of weight and balance?

The total weight of the aircraft remains unchanged when cargo is shifted, as weight is a scalar quantity that is not affected by the position of the loads within the aircraft. Shifting cargo may change the distribution of weight and can affect the center of gravity; however, the overall weight of the aircraft itself will stay the same, assuming no cargo is added or removed.

This is an important concept in weight and balance considerations, as maintaining an appropriate balance is crucial for flight safety and performance. If the load is simply redistributed without changing the total weight, the weight remains constant, but the aircraft's handling characteristics could be affected due to a shift in the center of gravity.