Final answer:
When a uniform rod is released from rest and can rotate freely, it will start rotating counterclockwise if it is initially at an angle ϕ with respect to the horizontal.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a uniform rod is released from rest and can rotate freely, it will start rotating counterclockwise if it is initially at an angle ϕ with respect to the horizontal. Therefore, the correct answer is C) The rod will rotate counterclockwise. This is because gravity exerts a torque on the rod, causing it to rotate in the counterclockwise direction.