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F = ma (11–17)
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FMA-2026-15 · 2026 F = ma (AAPT)

2026 F = ma Exam — Question 15

A ball launcher fires balls along the floor at some initial speed, applying no rotation to them. The balls initially slip along the floor, then start rolling without slipping. Ignore the potential deformation of the ball and flooring during this process, as well as air resistance. How does the final speed of the rolling ball depend on the coefficient of friction µ between the ball and the floor?
Source: Question 15, 2026 F = ma Exam, © 2026 American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the U.S. Physics Team. Adapted by PhysicsTrainer: reformatted into a separate question and answer choices for online multiple-choice practice; any shared setup from nearby questions is repeated here. Not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPT or the U.S. Physics Team.