What effect does wind have on a projectile over time?

Wind significantly impacts a projectile's trajectory, and one of its primary effects is on accuracy. As wind interacts with the projectile in flight, it can cause deviations from the intended path. These deviations result from crosswinds or headwinds that push or alter the course of the projectile, making it difficult to hit the target consistently.

Factors such as wind speed and direction can vary along the projectile's path, leading to unpredictable outcomes. For instance, a strong crosswind may push a bullet off target, requiring the shooter to adjust their aim to compensate for this influence. Thus, as wind disrupts the intended flight path of the projectile, it ultimately decreases accuracy.

While the other options address various aspects of projectile behavior, they do not collectively capture the comprehensive impact of wind on shooting performance. The notion that wind increases projectile speed is inaccurate, as wind resistance can actually slow the projectile down. Similarly, claiming it has no effect on trajectory overlooks the essential changes that wind creates in the projectile's path, and stating that it alters the projectile's angle simplifies the complex interplay between wind and trajectory, neglecting the broader implications for shooting accuracy.