What is the magnitude of gravitational acceleration when a ball is thrown upward?

The magnitude of gravitational acceleration near the Earth's surface is approximately 9.8 m/s². This value represents the acceleration experienced by an object in free fall due only to the influence of Earth's gravity.

When a ball is thrown upward, it initially moves against the force of gravity, which decelerates the ball until it reaches its highest point and then accelerates it back down toward the ground. Throughout this entire motion—whether the ball is ascending or descending—the acceleration due to gravity remains constant at approximately 9.8 m/s². This consistency is a fundamental principle of physics and applies regardless of the direction in which an object is moving.

Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing motion under the influence of gravity, as it allows for the accurate prediction of an object's behavior in various scenarios, both in academic settings and real-world applications.