Question

when does a thrown ball start to feel the force of gravity acting on it?

Explanation:

Step1: Understand gravity

Gravity is a force that acts on objects with mass near a massive body (like the Earth). It is a non - contact force.

Step2: Analyze the ball's motion

As soon as the ball is thrown (i.e., as soon as it is no longer in contact with the thrower's hand and is in free - fall or in motion in the gravitational field), the force of gravity acts on it. Before being thrown, when it is in the thrower's hand, the normal force from the hand balances the gravitational force. But the gravitational force is always present as long as the ball is in the Earth's gravitational field.

Answer:

The thrown ball starts to feel the force of gravity acting on it as soon as it is released (i.e., as soon as it is no longer in contact with the thrower's hand and is in the Earth's gravitational field).