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.