Why does friction increase a rolling ball's angular velocity?

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sr_philosophy
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Consider a ball rolling on a horizontal plane where friction is present. The forces acting on the ball are mg, friction at the contact and the normal force. This friction acts opposite to the direction of velocity. That should provide a clockwise torque and hence increase the angular velocity of the ball. Explain.
 

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Hi sr_philosophy! :smile:

Hint: where is the centre of rotation? :wink: and does it matter? :rolleyes: