What is the term for the curve traced by a projectile in flight?

The correct term for the curve traced by a projectile in flight is a parabola. This is because when an object is projected into the air, it moves under the influence of gravity and follows a curved path.

The path can be described mathematically by a quadratic equation, which results in a parabolic shape. This occurs because the horizontal component of the projectile's motion is uniform (constant velocity), while the vertical component is influenced by gravitational acceleration, leading to a change in velocity over time.

In summary, the unique combination of these two types of motion—horizontal constant velocity and vertical acceleration due to gravity—results in the characteristic curved trajectory of a projectile, aptly represented as a parabola.