An opposing force acts on the ball.
Explanation
According to Newton's First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia), an object in a state of uniform motion will continue in that state indefinitely unless compelled to change by an external force. Therefore, a moving object does not stop on its own; it requires an external agent to halt it.Analysis:
- The initial force applied was insufficient. is incorrect: The initial force is responsible for starting the motion. Once the contact is lost, the initial force ceases to act. The stopping of the ball is not due to the insufficiency of the initial force but due to forces acting during the motion.
- Motion naturally ceases without a continuous force. is incorrect: This statement aligns with Aristotelian physics, which was disproven by Galileo and Newton. Motion does not naturally cease; an object maintains its velocity unless an external force acts upon it.
- An opposing force acts on the ball. is correct: As the ball rolls, it experiences an external force known as friction between its surface and the ground. This force acts in the direction opposite to the ball's motion. This opposing force decelerates the ball, eventually bringing it to a stop.
- There is no unbalanced force acting on it. is incorrect: If there were no unbalanced force acting on the ball, it would continue to move in a straight line forever. The deceleration and eventual stop indicate the presence of a net unbalanced force (friction).
Key Takeaway: A rolling body comes to rest not because its "force runs out," but because an external opposing force, primarily friction, acts against the direction of motion.