In what manner does a ballistic missile travel?

A ballistic missile travels on a trajectory that resembles that of a rifle bullet, which involves an initial powered flight followed by a ballistic phase where it follows a parabolic path. After the rocket engines burn out, the missile continues to coast along its trajectory under the influence of gravity and aerodynamic drag, similar to how a bullet follows a curved path after being fired.

This parabolic trajectory allows the missile to reach high altitudes before descending towards its target, often arriving at a significant speed. Understanding this aspect of ballistic missiles is crucial in fields like defense strategy and missile technology, as it highlights their predictive and targeting capabilities.

The other choices do not accurately reflect how ballistic missiles operate. For example, suggesting that a ballistic missile travels on a straight trajectory towards its target ignores the nature of the missile's flight path and the effects of gravity. Claiming that ballistic missiles only utilize guided path systems mischaracterizes their operational phase, as they are primarily unguided during the ballistic portion of their flight. Finally, traveling parallel to the ground would limit the missile's effective range and capability, not allowing it to utilize the gravitational assist necessary for reaching distant targets effectively.