What is the shape of the trajectory of a projectile?

The trajectory of a projectile is parabolic. This is due to the constant acceleration due to gravity acting downwards, while the horizontal velocity remains constant. Here are the steps to understand it:

1. When an object is launched, it has an initial velocity. This velocity can be broken down into two components: horizontal (x-direction) and vertical (y-direction).

2. The horizontal component of velocity remains constant throughout the flight of the projectile. This is because there are no forces acting in the horizontal direction (assuming air resistance is negligible).

3. The vertical component of velocity, however, changes due to the force of gravity. Gravity pulls the object downwards, causing it to decelerate as it rises and accelerate as it falls.

4. The combination of a constant horizontal velocity and a vertically accelerating velocity results in a parabolic path.

5. This path continues until the projectile hits the ground.

So, the shape of the trajectory of a projectile is a parabola.