Does a ball that is rolled on a floor speed up before slowing down?

To answer this question, we need to understand the concept of friction. When a ball is rolled on a floor, it experiences rolling friction, which is always present unless the floor is perfectly smooth and there is no air resistance.

Initially, when the ball is rolled, it starts with some initial speed. As the ball moves forward, the rolling friction tries to oppose its motion. This frictional force acts in the opposite direction of the ball's velocity, which causes the ball to slow down gradually.

However, it's important to note that the ball doesn't immediately come to a stop. As the ball slows down, the force of rolling friction also decreases, until eventually the ball reaches a point where the force of friction no longer opposes the motion of the ball. At this point, the ball's speed becomes constant, and it continues to roll at a steady speed until an external force acts upon it or it encounters another source of friction.

So, to answer your question directly, a ball that is rolled on a floor does not speed up before slowing down. It starts with some initial speed, gradually slows down due to rolling friction, and eventually reaches a constant speed until an external force changes its motion.