Chapter 8, Problem 1MCQ

A falling leaf usually flutters while falling. However, we have learned that the force that Earth exerts on an object is exerted at its center of mass and thus should not cause rotational motion. How can you resolve this contradiction?

A leaf is not a rigid body and the rule does not apply.

There are other forces exerted on the leaf as it falls besides the force exerted by Earth.

Some forces were not taken into account when we defined the center of mass.