* Increases: The ball's velocity increases as it rolls downhill.
* Why? Gravity acts on the ball, pulling it downwards. This force causes the ball to accelerate, meaning its speed increases over time.
* Factors influencing the change in velocity:
* Steepness of the hill: A steeper hill provides a stronger gravitational force, resulting in faster acceleration and a larger increase in velocity.
* Friction: Friction between the ball and the surface of the hill will resist the motion, slowing down the acceleration.
* Ball's shape and mass: A heavier ball will have more inertia, making it harder to accelerate. A ball with a larger diameter might roll faster due to a lower friction coefficient.
In summary: The ball's velocity increases as it rolls downhill due to the force of gravity. The rate of increase in velocity depends on factors such as the steepness of the hill and the amount of friction present.