Final answer:
Common forces acting on a soccer ball when kicked are exerted by the soccer player, gravity, air resistance, and friction. The ballgame has deep roots in Mesoamerican history and is still played in modern-day Mexico.
Step-by-step explanation:
The objects that commonly exert force on a soccer ball being kicked include the soccer players themselves, as they make contact with the ball and initiate its movement. Additionally, gravity plays a significant role as it pulls the ball toward the ground. Alongside gravity, air resistance, or drag, slows the ball's movement through the atmosphere. Finally, friction between the ball and the playing surface also affects the ball's motion by resisting its roll, particularly when the ball comes into contact with the ground.
Historical Context of the Ballgame
The ballgame holds a substantial place in Mesoamerican history. Depictions in artifacts such as clay sculptures and stone reliefs from sites like El Tajin and Chichen Itza illustrate the game's ritualistic importance. Even today, variations of the ancient ballgame continue to be played in Mexico, demonstrating its enduring cultural significance.