Which force would act on a rolling ball when it contacts the ground?

Which force would act on a rolling ball when it contacts the ground?

• A. Weight
• B. Friction
• C. Inertia
• D. Gravity

Answer: (B)

When a ball rolls on the ground, friction is the force that acts on it at the point of contact with the surface. Friction arises due to the interaction between the ball and the surface, resisting the motion of the ball as it rolls. This force is crucial because it allows the ball to grip the surface and prevents it from sliding—if there were no friction, the ball would simply slide rather than roll. The frictional force can also play a significant role in slowing the ball down. The type of friction involved in this scenario is typically static friction because the ball is rolling without slipping. This resistance is what facilitates a change in the ball's motion, playing a central role in its dynamics as it interacts with the ground. Other forces such as weight and gravity are constantly acting on the ball, pulling it downwards, while inertia is the tendency of the ball to maintain its state of motion. However, it is the force of friction at the contact point that directly relates to the rolling motion of the ball when it meets the ground.

When a ball rolls on the ground, friction is the force that acts on it at the point of contact with the surface. Friction arises due to the interaction between the ball and the surface, resisting the motion of the ball as it rolls. This force is crucial because it allows the ball to grip the surface and prevents it from sliding—if there were no friction, the ball would simply slide rather than roll.

The frictional force can also play a significant role in slowing the ball down. The type of friction involved in this scenario is typically static friction because the ball is rolling without slipping. This resistance is what facilitates a change in the ball's motion, playing a central role in its dynamics as it interacts with the ground.

Other forces such as weight and gravity are constantly acting on the ball, pulling it downwards, while inertia is the tendency of the ball to maintain its state of motion. However, it is the force of friction at the contact point that directly relates to the rolling motion of the ball when it meets the ground.