russ_watters said:Also rolling resistance, which is energy dissipated by deformation of the ball.
The force that causes a ball to start rolling is the force of gravity. When the ball is released, gravity pulls it downward, causing it to begin rolling.
In addition to gravity, there are two other forces involved in a ball rolling: the normal force and the force of friction. The normal force is the force exerted by the ground on the ball, which prevents it from sinking into the ground. The force of friction is the resistance between the ball and the ground, which slows down the ball's motion.
The shape and weight of a ball can greatly affect its rolling. A ball with a round shape and a heavier weight will have more inertia, making it more difficult to start and stop rolling. On the other hand, a ball with a lighter weight and a more irregular shape will have less inertia and will be easier to start and stop rolling.
No, a ball cannot continue to roll without any external forces acting on it. According to Newton's first law of motion, an object will remain at rest or in motion at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. In the case of a rolling ball, the external forces are gravity, the normal force, and the force of friction.
The surface on which a ball is rolling can greatly affect its speed and motion. A smooth, flat surface will provide less resistance and friction, allowing the ball to roll faster and farther. A rough or uneven surface will create more resistance and friction, causing the ball to slow down and change direction more frequently.