The vertical velocity of the ball is thrown upward _ with time.

Explanation

The correct answer is Linearly because when a ball is thrown upward, it experiences a constant acceleration due to gravity which acts downward. As a result, the vertical velocity decreases at a constant rate. This linear decrease means that for every second the ball travels upward, its vertical velocity reduces by a fixed amount until it reaches its maximum height and then becomes negative as it falls back down.Option Remains constant is incorrect because the vertical velocity changes as the ball moves against gravity. Option Doubles is also incorrect because the vertical velocity does not double; it decreases instead. Finally, Decreases parabolically is misleading as it describes the path of the ball rather than the linear change in velocity.