If it were possible to remove gravity and friction, think about what would happen to a football if it were tossed into the air. which statement best describes the force(s) acting on the football? a force must be applied to it when it slows to a position of rest. a force must be applied to it before it slows to a position of rest. no force is needed; an object in motion stays in motion. many forces must act upon it to keep it in motion.