Acceleration after applying a force

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When a ball is thrown, it initially has an acceleration determined by the force applied (F=ma) while in contact with the hand. Once the ball leaves the hand, it no longer experiences that force, and thus its acceleration ceases. The ball then only experiences ambient forces like gravity and air resistance, which affect its motion. The act of throwing imparts an initial velocity to the ball, but it does not maintain the same acceleration after leaving the hand. Therefore, acceleration is only present when a net force acts on an object.
archaic
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Hello,
1) Suppose I throw a ball with a force ##F=ma##, the instant it leaves my hand, does it have the same acceleration ##a## added to it accelerations due to "ambient" forces (air resistance, gravity..)?
2) If I am right about 1), doesn't my hand already carry the acceleration/deceleration due to those forces? So why isn't it only ##a##?
3) Generally, when I make something move, do I give it acceleration or velocity? I think velocity since I cause a displacement.
 
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archaic said:
Hello,
1) Suppose I throw a ball with a force ##F=ma##, the instant it leaves my hand, does it have the same acceleration ##a## added to it accelerations due to "ambient" forces (air resistance, gravity..)?
While your hand is in contact with the ball you exert some force on it, adding to the net force on the ball, which determines its acceleration. As soon as the ball leaves your hand, your hand no longer exerts a force on it.
 
Doc Al said:
While your hand is in contact with the ball you exert some force on it, adding to the net force on the ball, which determines its acceleration. As soon as the ball leaves your hand, your hand no longer exerts a force on it.
Yes, but the moment it leaves my hand does it conserve that ##a##?
 
archaic said:
Yes, but the moment it leaves my hand does it conserve that ##a##?
No. Something accelerates only when there's a net force on it. Remove the force and there's no longer an acceleration.
 

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