The correct answer is (c) there is a force on the ball opposing the motion.
Explanation:
When a cricket ball rolls on the ground, it encounters friction between the ball and the surface. This friction force always acts in the opposite direction of the ball’s motion, slowing it down until it eventually comes to a stop.
Why other options are incorrect:
(a) the batsman did not hit the ball hard enough:
While the initial force exerted by the batsman’s hit determines the ball’s initial speed, the slowing down is primarily due to friction, not the initial force.
(b) velocity is proportional to the force exerted on the ball:
This is true in general according to Newton’s second law, but in this case, the force opposing the ball’s motion (friction) is the dominant factor, not the initial force from the batsman.
(d) there is no unbalanced force on the ball, so the ball would want to come to rest:
This is incorrect. The friction force is an unbalanced force acting on the ball, causing it to slow down. An unbalanced force means the net force on the object is not zero, leading to a change in its motion.