The torque exerted on a perfectly spherical orbiting communications satellite by the gravitational pull of Earth is
A) directed toward Earth.
B) directed parallel to Earth's axis and toward the north pole.
C) directed parallel to Earth's axis and toward the south pole.
D) directed toward the satellite.
E) zero.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A perfectly spherical satellite experiences zero torque due to Earth's gravitational pull because the gravitational force acts through the satellite's center of mass, creating no lever arm for torque.

The Torque Exerted on a Perfectly Spherical Orbiting Communications Satellite