Ballistics Flashcards
Why is tracing the path of a bullet important?
It can reveal what direction the bullet was fired from.
What does ballistics mean?
Ballistics is a term that refers to the science of the flight path of a bullet.
What happens once a bullet leaves the rifle, or gun barrel?
The frictional and gravitational forces begin to slow its speed, producing a downward arc of flight.
What is the purpose of the grooves on the barrel of a gun?
The grooves causes the bullet to spin, which creates more damage to its target.
Why is the shape of a bullet blunt at one end instead of tapered?
It is a compromise that reduces air resistance while still retaining the explosive energy.
What are the three ways a bullet produces tissue damage?
The three ways are: Lacerate, Cavitation, Compressed.
Define Lacerate.
A bullet can shred or crush tissue or bone. Usually caused by bullets moving at a low velocity.
Define Cavitation.
This damage is produced by the forward of air or tissue in the wake of the bullet.
Define Compressed.
The air at the front and sides of a very fast moving bullet can be compressed. The explosive relaxation of the compression generates a damaging shock wave.
