* Gravity's Influence: The primary force acting on a projectile in the vertical direction is gravity. Gravity constantly pulls the projectile downwards, causing its vertical velocity to change.
* Initial Vertical Velocity: A projectile might start with an initial upward velocity. This velocity will decrease as gravity acts on it, eventually becoming zero at the highest point of its trajectory.
* Downward Acceleration: After reaching its peak, the projectile starts to fall back down. Gravity continues to accelerate it downwards, increasing its vertical velocity.
In Summary: The vertical velocity of a projectile is constantly changing due to the acceleration caused by gravity. It increases downwards and decreases upwards throughout the projectile's flight.