Why is a sphere easier to move than a box of the same mass?

Question

Is it only because of the less friction involved or at there other reasons?

Answer 1

if you are trying to move the bodies rather than roll them you wouldn't find one moving the sphere easier than moving the block as there would be no rolling friction,the only kind of friction acting would be sliding friction which would be same for both the bodies

Answer 2

Movements under gravitational acceleration requires shifting of center of the mass. Any object stays at rest on the horizontal plane will have it's center of mass within the walls of its footprint.

A cube will lose this stability only when one of its side is lifted above 45degree angle. Only above that angle the center of mass of the cube will go outside of its footprint, thus fall on its side.

But for a sphere, its footprint is a tiny point on the horizontal plane. Thus any slight push on it's side will shift the center of the mass outside of the footprint and makes it to roll.

Answer 3

Its because the rolling friction will act to make point of contact velocity=0 If pt of contact v=0 Then rolling friction cease to act Then it can roll for longer time witout effort