The torque acting on a planet due to gravitational force of attraction is

Options

A. `prop`
B. 0
C. moderate
D. very high

Answer

To solve the problem of finding the torque acting on a planet due to the gravitational force of attraction from the sun, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Torque
Torque (\( \tau \)) is defined as the product of the force (\( F \)) applied and the perpendicular distance (\( r \)) from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the force. Mathematically, it can be expressed as:
\[ \tau = r \times F \]

### Step 2: Identify the Force Acting on the Planet
In this scenario, the force acting on the planet is the gravitational force exerted by the sun. This force acts towards the center of the sun.

### Step 3: Determine the Perpendicular Distance
The key aspect to consider is the direction of the gravitational force. The gravitational force acts along the line connecting the center of the sun and the planet. Since the force acts directly towards the sun, the line of action of the force passes through the axis of rotation of the planet.

### Step 4: Calculate the Torque
Since the gravitational force acts along the line of action that passes through the axis of rotation, the perpendicular distance (\( r \)) from the axis of rotation to the line of action of the gravitational force is zero. Therefore, we can conclude:
\[ \tau = r \times F = 0 \times F = 0 \]

### Conclusion
The torque acting on the planet due to the gravitational force of attraction from the sun is zero:
\[ \text{Torque} = 0 \]