What happens to the velocity of a projectile as it rises to its peak height?

As a projectile rises to its peak height, its velocity decreases due to the influence of gravitational force acting in the opposite direction to its motion. At the beginning of the projectile's ascent, it has an initial upward velocity, but as it moves higher, gravity gradually slows it down. This decrease in velocity continues until the projectile reaches its highest point, or peak height, at which point its vertical velocity is momentarily zero. After reaching this point, the projectile will begin to descend, resulting in an increase in velocity in the downward direction.

The understanding of this behavior aligns with the principles of motion under constant acceleration, specifically that of gravity, which affects the projectile throughout its path. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the kinematic behavior of a projectile under the influence of gravity as it ascends.