Why does a projectile travel downward in a curved path?

Answer 1

Gravity pulls the projectile downwards. Assuming for simplicity that air resistance is insignificant, the horizontal speed remains constant, while vertically, the projectile accelerates downwards.

Answer 2

The projectile travels horizontally at a constant speed (v) over a horizontal distance (s) with time (t) such that s = vt. But the projectile travels downward at a varying speed because of gravity acceleration (g)) over a vertical distance (s) with time (t) such that s = 1/2gt^2 ( time squared). Because of the square term it travels in a parabola shape, curved downward

Answer 3

It is because it undergoes constant downward acceleration due to the force of gravity, while travelling horizontally.