A ball is rolling across the top of a billiard table and slowly rolls to a stop. How would Galileo explain the motion of the ball as it stopped?

a)The ball's natural state is at rest =b)The ball stopped because it ceased to be pushed
c)The ball stopped due to external forces such as friction

the ball's natural state is at rest

Galileo would most likely explain the motion of the ball as it stopped by choosing option c) The ball stopped due to external forces such as friction.

To understand Galileo's explanation, we need to consider his understanding of motion. Galileo proposed that an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. In this case, the ball was initially set into motion, possibly by a cue strike or a push. As it rolls across the billiard table, it encounters a force called friction, which opposes its motion. Friction arises as a result of the interaction between the ball and the table's surface.

As the ball continues to roll, the frictional force gradually slows it down. This force acts opposite to the direction of the ball's motion. Eventually, as the ball loses momentum due to the frictional force, it comes to a complete stop.

Galileo's explanation hinges on the presence of external forces, particularly friction, which acts as a resistance opposing the ball's motion. Therefore, the most appropriate choice that aligns with Galileo's understanding of motion would be c) The ball stopped due to external forces such as friction.