Final answer:
The total mechanical energy of the tennis ball decreases as it moves against gravity and air resistance. The magnitude of the average force of air resistance cannot be determined without more information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total mechanical energy of the tennis ball decreases from when it leaves your hand to when it reaches its maximum height. This is because the ball is moving against the force of gravity and air resistance. The energy lost is due to the work done by air resistance.
To calculate the magnitude of the average force of air resistance, we need to know the change in mechanical energy. The change in mechanical energy is equal to the work done by the average force of air resistance.
However, without specific values for the time it takes for the ball to reach its maximum height and the distance it travels, we cannot determine the exact change in mechanical energy or the average force of air resistance.