Ballistics and Projectile Dynamics Quiz

The highest point on a projectile's path. It is located at a range slightly more than half the target's range.

The part of the projectile's path from the muzzle to the culminating point.

The part of the projectile's path from the culminating point to the target or the ground.

The point on a projectile's path most likely to hit the top part of the target first.

The point on the ground where a projectile falls after the First Catch, regardless of whether it hit the target. This happens only in the descending branch.

The area between the First Catch and the First Graze.

The angle of descent is the angle formed between the tangent to the trajectory and the horizontal at a point on the descending branch.

The angle between the tangent to the trajectory and the horizontal at the point where the descending branch crosses the horizontal at the muzzle.

The angle between the tangent to the projectile's path and the surface normal at the point of impact. It influences penetration depth: smaller angle, greater penetration.

The area on the ground covered by a burst of fire from a weapon. It is shaped like an egg with the muzzle as the apex.

The area on the ground directly affected by the bullets in a burst of fire. The target is usually in the center.

The area covered by both the dangerous space and the beaten zone. This area is considered hazardous due to the possibility of projectiles.

The amount of drop in a projectile's trajectory due to gravity. It is influenced by the QE and angle of sight.

The initial upward angle of the barrel of a weapon relative to the horizontal, contributing to the projectile's range.

The difference in angle between the axis of the gun barrel and the line of sight. It's necessary for incorporating range into the projectile's trajectory.

The measured drop in a projectile's trajectory caused by gravity, specifically at 100 meters. It is a crucial ballistics factor for accurate aiming.

The maximum pressure reached inside the gun barrel during firing.

The point in time when all the propellant has been burnt.

The efficiency of the propellant in propelling the projectile.

The relationship between pressure, velocity, and time during a bullet's travel down the barrel.

The process where the bullet expands to fill the barrel, sealing the space between the bullet and the barrel walls.

The initial pressure generated when the firing pin strikes the primer cap, igniting the propellant and causing the bullet to move from the case.

The rate at which the propellant burns and releases gas, directly affecting the peak pressure generated.

The total surface area of the propellant granules exposed to the flame, influencing the rate of gas generation.

A measure of the energy released by a unit mass of propellant, impacting the amount of pressure generated.

The mass of the bullet in relation to the size of the barrel and the amount of propellant used.

A measurement of the volume of the propellant's stored energy in relation to the volume of the expanding propellant gases.

The point at which all propellant has burned, determining the end of pressure build-up in the barrel.

A type of shot group where the shots are spread out horizontally, usually caused by incorrect sighting alignment.

Occurs when the firer aims too high or too low, causing the shot group to be clustered vertically.

Characterized by shots clustered around 4 or 7 o'clock positions on the target, resulting from trigger squeezing or pulling.

This group forms when the firer anticipates recoil and flinches by moving their head down, causing shots to appear in the 11 o'clock area.

Occurs when the firer inconsistently focuses their eye on the foresight and the target, resulting in two distinct groups on the target.

This group happens when the firer does not follow basic firing fundamentals, leading to a random spread of shots.

This long vertical group below the point of aim occurs when the firer consistently pushes the weapon forward while firing.

This long vertical group above the point of aim is caused by the firer consistently pulling the weapon backward while firing.

The maximum permissible error in estimating the range while achieving a burst zone, with the error being half the length of the burst zone.

The area where a burst of fire is concentrated and is likely to hit the target. Depending on the weapon and range, the burst zone can vary in length.

The point of aim (POA) on the chosen fixed point in the landscape, ensuring grazing fire and maximum coverage.

The maximum range at which a fixed line should be established for a light machine gun (LMG).

Cold temperatures affect the ammunition's performance, leading to a slower burning rate, less gas energy propelling the bullet, and a lower trajectory. This results in the rounds hitting lower than expected.

High altitudes cause a rarer atmosphere, leading to less air resistance. This results in a higher trajectory, meaning the bullets tend to hit higher than expected.

Humidity creates conditions for a rarer atmosphere, which results in less air resistance on the bullets. Consequently, the trajectory becomes flatter, and the maximum point of impact (MPI) occurs at a lower point.

Wind, particularly crosswind, significantly affects the bullet's path. The wind's effect varies with range and wind strength, requiring aiming compensation.