Question

if you kick a soccer ball across a turf field it will roll across the level field but it will gradually slow down and stop. which of the following best explains why this is according to newtons laws of motion? the curved surface of the earth is not at all noticeable on a scale humans can perceive on a playing field, but this doesnt mean that the curved surface cannot have an effect on the ball; over time as it rolls the curve is in essence an uphill and all rolling objects must slow down when the roll uphill. once the ball leaves your foot the force that made it moves is no longer present; without a force pushing (or pulling) it no object can continue to move, movement requires a continuous force. the ball encounters forces such as friction and air resistance that act to accelerate the ball in a direction opposite its motion; this slows and eventually stops it.

Explanation:

Newton's first law states that an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. In this case, the soccer ball slows down and stops because of external forces like friction (between the ball and the turf) and air resistance. These forces act opposite to the direction of the ball's motion, decelerating it.
The first option is incorrect because the curvature of the Earth is negligible on a playing - field scale and not the reason for the ball stopping. The second option is wrong as per Newton's first law; an object does not need a continuous force to keep moving (in the absence of opposing forces).

Answer:

The ball encounters forces such as friction and air resistance that act to accelerate the ball in a direction opposite its motion; this slows and eventually stops it.