how does the forward speed, or inertia the ball has, affect the motion of the ball once it leaves the ruler?

The forward speed or inertia of the ball can significantly affect its motion once it leaves the ruler. Here's how:

1. Initial Speed: The initial speed of the ball as it leaves the ruler is directly related to its forward speed or inertia. The greater the initial speed, the further and faster the ball will travel.

2. Inertia: Inertia is the property of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. A ball with more inertia (i.e., more mass or more speed) will be more resistant to changes in its motion, meaning it will continue moving forward for longer before external forces (like gravity or air resistance) slow it down.

3. Trajectory: The forward speed of the ball also affects its trajectory. A ball launched with a greater forward speed will have a flatter trajectory, meaning it will travel further horizontally before it starts to drop vertically.

4. Impact of External Forces: The faster the ball is moving, the less impact external forces like air resistance will have on it. This is because these forces have less time to act on the ball before it reaches its destination.

5. Energy Conservation: According to the principle of conservation of energy, the kinetic energy of the ball (which is related to its speed) will be conserved unless acted upon by external forces. This means that, in the absence of external forces, the ball will continue moving at the same speed.

In conclusion, the forward speed or inertia of the ball plays a crucial role in determining how far and fast the ball will travel, its resistance to changes in motion, its trajectory, and the impact of external forces on it.