What force tends to right a ship when it rolls?

The correct concept in this scenario is buoyancy. Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of an object submerged in it. When a ship rolls due to waves or wind, the center of buoyancy shifts, creating a righting moment that helps return the vessel to an upright position.

As the ship tilts, the shape of its hull displaces more water on the lower side, which increases the buoyant force acting on that side. This force works to push the ship back to an even keel, enabling it to regain stability. Understanding buoyancy is crucial in naval architecture and maritime operations, as it directly affects the ship's ability to navigate safely in various sea conditions.

Torque, weight, and momentum, while relevant in discussions of a ship’s motion, do not specifically represent the force that actively works to return a rolling ship to its upright position. Torque relates to rotational forces, weight is a downward force due to gravity, and momentum pertains to the quantity of motion an object possesses.