A ball rolling along the ground gradually slows down and finally comes to rest. Which force is mainly responsible for this loss of motion?

Introduction / Context:
When an object such as a ball is set rolling on the ground, it does not continue forever. Instead, it gradually slows down and eventually comes to rest. Understanding why motion dies out in everyday situations is an important part of learning about forces, friction and Newton laws. This question asks which force is primarily responsible for the rolling ball losing its motion.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A ball is rolling along a horizontal ground surface.
• The ball was set in motion earlier, perhaps by a kick or push.
• No one continues to push the ball while it is rolling.
• We neglect exotic forces and focus on common forces like friction and contact forces.

Concept / Approach:
According to Newton first law, an object in motion continues in a straight line at constant speed unless acted on by a net external force. In ideal physics problems, a frictionless surface would allow the ball to roll indefinitely. In reality, contact between the ball and the ground is not perfectly smooth, and there is rolling friction and possibly some sliding friction. These frictional forces oppose the motion of the ball and convert its mechanical energy into heat and a little sound, causing it to slow down and eventually stop. Magnetic and electrostatic forces are usually negligible in this everyday context, and the muscular force from the person acts only briefly at the start.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that once the ball has left the player foot or hand, no continuous muscular force is applied. Step 2: Identify forces acting during rolling: weight of the ball downward, normal reaction upward and friction at the contact with the ground. Step 3: The vertical forces weight and normal mostly balance each other, so they do not slow the ball horizontally. Step 4: The frictional force acts opposite to the direction of motion at the point of contact. Step 5: This frictional force does negative work on the ball, reducing its kinetic energy. Step 6: As kinetic energy decreases, the ball speed reduces until it eventually comes to rest.

Verification / Alternative check:
On very smooth surfaces like ice, a puck or ball can slide or roll much farther before stopping, showing that when friction is reduced, motion lasts longer. On rough surfaces like carpet or grass, the ball stops more quickly, which confirms that friction is the key factor controlling how fast the ball slows down. There is no noticeable magnetic or electrostatic interaction in these everyday rolling situations.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Magnetic force from the Earth: Earth magnetic field is too weak to significantly affect an ordinary non magnetised ball rolling on the ground.

Electrostatic force: Any static charges on the ball or ground are negligible compared with mechanical contact forces in this context.

Muscular force: The muscular force acts only during the initial push or kick; after that, it no longer acts on the ball.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners incorrectly think that a continuous force is necessary to keep an object moving, contradicting Newton first law. This misconception leads them to believe that the ball slows because the push runs out. In reality, an ideal force free ball would go on forever; it is friction that removes kinetic energy and stops the ball. Remember that in everyday life, friction is almost always present and is the main cause of objects coming to rest.

Final Answer:
The ball slows down and stops mainly because of the frictional force between the ball and the ground.