Final answer:
The forces that act on the ball while it is on the way up are both a constant gravitational force that acts downward and a decreasing force that acts upward. The acceleration of the ball at the top of its path is zero.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. The forces that act on the ball while it is on the way up are both a constant gravitational force that acts downward and a decreasing force that acts upward. The constant gravitational force is always acting downward, while the decreasing force acts upward due to the ball losing speed and momentum as it travels upward.
2. The acceleration of the ball at the top of its path is zero. At that point, the ball reaches its maximum height and momentarily comes to rest before accelerating downward due to the gravitational force.