How does gravity affect a projectile's path?

Gravity plays a critical role in determining the path of a projectile. When an object is projected into the air, it is initially propelled forward, but gravity constantly exerts a downward force on it. This force causes the projectile to not only fall but to do so in a manner that results in a change of its vertical position over time.

As the projectile rises, gravity works against its upward motion, slowing it until it reaches the peak of its ascent. Once it reaches this peak, gravity then causes it to descend again. The combination of the downward force of gravity and the forward motion results in a curving trajectory known as a parabolic path.

This phenomenon is precisely why the correct answer highlights that gravity continuously pulls the projectile downward, ultimately leading to this parabolic trajectory rather than a straight line or any other shape. The effects of gravity on a projectile's motion are essential for calculations in ballistics, as they help predict how far and at what angle a projectile will travel before it hits the ground.