Forensic Ballistics Overview Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which factor is least likely to affect the severity of injuries caused by a bullet?

  • Type of tissue involved
  • Bullet velocity and mass
  • Color of the bullet (correct)
  • Distance of the target from the muzzle

What typically characterizes contact wounds when a bullet is fired at close range?

  • Minimal tissue damage
  • Lack of powder stippling
  • Large exit wounds
  • Presence of soot and muzzle imprint (correct)

Which statement is true regarding exit wounds compared to entrance wounds?

  • Exit wounds are typically smaller due to bullet deformation.
  • Exit wounds generally exhibit gunshot residues.
  • Exit wounds are usually larger as the bullet may have expanded. (correct)
  • Exit wounds always appear directly opposite entrance wounds.

How does the density of the tissue affect bullet injuries?

<p>Greater specific gravity leads to increased damage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What methods are suggested to accurately estimate the distance from which a bullet was fired?

<p>Conducting test fires from various distances (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the pattern called when unburned particles or powder residue enter the skin?

<p>Tattooing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the bullet's rotational movement have when it strikes the skin?

<p>Creates an abrasional ring at the wound margin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of gunfire is responsible for causing the skin to stretch and rupture upon impact?

<p>Bullet (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of gases blowing into and under the skin during a gunshot?

<p>Increased coloration due to carbon monoxide (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes bilateral effects of muzzle contact during gunfire?

<p>Imprints of the muzzle occur due to pressure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs due to the continued acceleration of air or tissue as a bullet travels?

<p>Cavitations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of markings can be found on the margin of a gunshot wound due to lubricant from the bullet?

<p>Grease ring (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause for the pink color in tissues post-gunfire exposure?

<p>Increased carbon monoxide binding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in tissue loss between the inlet and exit of a bullet?

<p>More tissue loss at the inlet (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the bullet exit involves beveling?

<p>External beveling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which shape is typically observed at the inlet of a bullet when fired at a distance?

<p>D-shaped or F-shaped (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of the exit wound generally compare to the inlet wound?

<p>The exit wound is larger (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition is associated with the absence of gunshot residue at the exit of a bullet?

<p>Ricochet bullet impact (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the general regularity of the inlet wound compared to the exit wound?

<p>Regular at inlet but irregular at exit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What shape may be observed if a bullet grazes the skin?

<p>Oval shape (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of ricochet bullet wounds?

<p>They leave behind powder marks on the object struck (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of rifled weapons in relation to their barrels?

<p>Their barrels feature spiral grooves and lands that impart a spinning motion to the bullet. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for igniting the propellant powder in a cartridge?

<p>The flash fire from the primer explosion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the caliber of a rifled weapon?

<p>The diameter of the barrel between two opposite lands. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of firearm wounds?

<p>Absence of any gunshot residue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the spiral grooves and lands in rifled barrels?

<p>To stabilize the bullet's flight by imparting spin. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of gunpowder is commonly associated with modern firearms?

<p>Nitroglycerine or nitrocellulose as smokeless powder. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sequence best describes the process of firing a rifled weapon?

<p>Trigger is pulled, primer ignites, gunpowder burns rapidly, bullet is propelled. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of injuries are characterized by a loss of tissue due to the effects of a bullet?

<p>Cavitational damage from penetrating wounds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a bullet breaks up in its course?

<p>Presence of more than one exit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action that occurs when the trigger of a sporting gun is pulled?

<p>The firing pin activates the primer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is observed at distances beyond 2 meters when a non rifled weapon is fired?

<p>Only individual pellet holes seen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes contact wounds from a non rifled weapon?

<p>Presence of singeing around the wound (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What injury is caused by the wad in non rifled weapons?

<p>Trivial bruises to fatal lacerations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which description applies to wounds sustained at distances between 15 cm and 2 meters?

<p>Scalloped and increasingly creased edges (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of bone contact from a non rifled weapon?

<p>Cruciate lesion due to expanding gases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of wounds do shotgun cartridges primarily cause?

<p>Fatal lacerations or trivial bruises (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the distinctive wounds caused by new devices used in shotgun ammunition?

<p>Square edged star or capital X-shape wounds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum distance at which wads are almost always recovered during an autopsy?

<p>2 meters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily affects the range of fire of a shotgun?

<p>Type of powder used (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding exit wounds in non-rifled weapons?

<p>Exit wounds are unlikely unless specific conditions are met. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What complication may occur as a result of a shotgun injury to the neck?

<p>Paraplegia if death is delayed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically causes death when a firearm causes injury to the chest?

<p>Blood loss leading to circulatory failure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What result is indicative of close-range shots on the victim's skin?

<p>Blackening, tattooing, and burning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In firearm investigations, what is NOT one of the objectives to determine?

<p>Cost of the firearm involved (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Rifling

The internal spiral grooves in a firearm barrel that give the bullet its spin.

Caliber

The diameter of a firearm barrel, measured between the opposing lands (raised portions) of the rifling.

Primer

The explosive substance used to ignite the propellant in a firearm.

Propellant Powder

The main explosive charge inside a firearm cartridge.

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Missile

The bullet fired from a rifled weapon.

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Primary Rifle Marks

The characteristic markings left on a bullet by the rifling of a firearm.

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Cavitation

The gaping wound caused by the bullet's impact and subsequent pressure wave.

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Inlet

The entry point of the bullet into the body.

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Powder Stippling

The spread of powder particles from a firearm that creates a pattern on the target. This pattern can help determine the distance the gun was fired from.

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Exit Wound

The point where a bullet exits the body. It's often larger than the entrance wound because the bullet can deform while traveling through flesh.

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Entrance Wound

The wound caused by the bullet's initial impact. It can be characterized by soot, muzzle marks, or skin lacerations depending on the distance of the shot.

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Tissue Properties and Bullet Damage

The density and elasticity of tissue affect how much damage a bullet will cause. Denser tissue (like bone) receives more damage, while elastic tissues absorb more impact.

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Bullet Velocity and Mass

The speed and weight of a bullet greatly influence the severity of the injury. A faster, heavier bullet will penetrate deeper and cause more damage.

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Wound Elasticity

The expanding and shrinking of the wound as the bullet passes through. The entrance wound is smaller than the bullet's diameter due to the skin's elasticity.

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Rifling Mark

The bullet leaves a circular mark with a rim of abrasion around it, caused by the rotating bullet rubbing against the skin.

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Flame Effect

The burning created by the flame released from the gun.

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Tattooing

Unburnt gunpowder particles embed in the skin, forming a distinct pattern. This pattern is known as tattooing.

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Gas Effect

Gases released from the gun cause the wound edges to turn outward and form a cross-shaped lesion.

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Lubricant Ring

Lubricant residue from the gun barrel is deposited on the wound edges, creating a greasy ring.

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Metal Fragments

Metallic fragments from the bullet and barrel embed in the skin.

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Muzzle Imprint

The muzzle of the gun makes an imprint on the skin, either from direct contact or the force of gases pushing the skin outwards.

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Bullet Inlet

The point where a bullet enters the body.

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Bullet Exit

The point where a bullet exits the body.

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Internal Beveling

The inward beveling of a bullet wound, where the inner edge of the wound is larger than the outer edge.

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External Beveling

The outward beveling of a bullet wound, where the outer edge of the wound is larger than the inner edge.

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Grazing Wound

A gunshot wound where the bullet grazes the skin and subcutaneous tissue without penetrating deeper.

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Gutter Wound

A bullet wound where the bullet impacts bone and changes direction, creating a separate entry and exit point.

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Ricochet Bullet

A bullet that strikes a firm object before entering the body, often resulting in an irregular wound.

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Tumbling Bullet Wound

A bullet that tumbles during its flight, creating an F or D-shaped wound.

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Choking

The narrowing at the end of a shotgun barrel that controls the spread of pellets.

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Range of Firing

The distance at which a firearm was discharged, determined by the presence and pattern of powder residue, stippling, and other marks on the victim.

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Exit

The exit point of a projectile (bullet or pellet) from the body.

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Rifled Weapon

A firearm that uses rifling, or spiral grooves in the barrel, to spin the bullet and increase accuracy and range.

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Non-Rifled Weapon

A firearm that does not have rifling in the barrel, such as a shotgun. The projectile (pellet) travels in a straight path.

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Wads entering wound

The distance at which the wads from an old shotgun shell will almost always enter the wound.

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Contact Wound

A wound caused when a firearm is discharged directly against the skin. Characterized by: a single circular entrance wound, minimal soiling and burning, a muzzle imprint, pink coloration due to carbon monoxide, and potential presence of wads.

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Near Contact Wound

A wound caused by a shotgun fired within 0-15 cm of the target. Characterized by: a single circular wound if held at a right angle, an elliptical wound if slanted, singeing of hair, burning and blackening, pink coloration due to CO, and potential presence of wads.

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Intermediate Range Wound

A wound caused by a shotgun fired at a distance of 15 cm to 2 meters from the target. Characterized by: scalloped and crenated edges (moth-eaten, rat-hole) on the wound, singeing of hair, burning and blackening, and pink coloration due to CO.

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Intermediate-Long Range Wound

A wound caused by a shotgun fired at a distance of 2 to 4 meters from the target. Characterized by: no burning or blackening, rarely powder tattooing, a main central hole surrounded by individual pellet holes (satellites), and the number of satellites increasing with distance.

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Long Range Wound

A wound caused by a shotgun fired beyond 4 meters from the target. Characterized by: only individual pellet holes, the absence of a central hole, and this is known as full dispersion.

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Wad Wounds

Injuries caused by non-metallic contents of shotgun cartridges, such as wads. The severity varies from trivial bruises to fatal lacerations.

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Multiple Bullet Entry

When multiple bullets are fired at the same spot, resulting in one entry point and two or more exit points.

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Bone Fragmentation Exit Wound

A wound caused by bones fragmenting and coming out through separate openings.

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Study Notes

Firearm Injuries

  • Firearms are weapons designed to propel a projectile using the expansion of gases created by burning an explosive substance.

Types of Firearms

  • Rifled weapons:

    • Barrels have spiral grooves (lands) with spaces between (grooves).
    • The 'lands' impart a spinning motion to the bullet, improving accuracy.
    • Caliber describes the bore diameter, measured between opposite lands, typically in hundredths of an inch or millimeters.
    • Come in long-barreled (e.g., service rifles) and short-barreled (e.g., revolvers, pistols) varieties.

  • Non-rifled weapons:

    • Barrels lack grooves.
    • Examples include shotguns, which fire multiple projectiles (pellets).
    • Effects of pellets, wads, gases, and flame vary with distance.

Mechanism of Firing (Rifled Weapons)

  • Trigger activation initiates the primer's explosion (often mercury fulminate).
  • This explosion ignites the propellant powder.
  • Rapid powder burning creates high pressure gas.
  • The gas pressure propels the bullet from the barrel.

Mechanism of Firing (Non-rifled Weapons)

  • Trigger activation ignites the primer.
  • Primer explosion ignites the propellant powder.
  • Gas pressure pushes the wad forward.
  • The wad propels pellets out of the shell.

Characteristics of Firearm Wounds

  • Inlet: Entry point of the projectile.
  • Exit: Exit point of the projectile.
  • Track: The pathway traced by the projectile within the tissue.
  • Tissue damage: Cavitations (gaps in tissue).
  • Powder marks: Marks on the skin caused by unburned powder residue, typical of close-range shots.
  • Gunshot residue (GSR): Materials (lead, barium, antimony) from the weapon deposited at the inlet, exit, or along the track.
  • Bevelling of bone: The angle or cut made in bone by the projectile.

Factors Affecting Injuries

  • Bullet velocity and mass: Higher velocity and mass result in more damage.
  • Bullet design: Different designs produce different patterns of injury.
  • Distance from muzzle to target: Close range impacts leave powder marks, while long range shots have more scattered patterns.
  • Tissue type and penetration: Dense tissues like bone resist penetration more than soft tissues, moderating the effect of a shot.

Range of Firing

  • Contact wounds: Soot, muzzle imprints.
  • Intermediate wounds: Powder stippling present.
  • Distant wounds: Minimal or absent stippling; caliber-sized hole
  • Distance estimations depend on residue spread, barrel length, and test firing correlations

Exit Wounds

  • Typically larger than inlet wounds.
  • Often lacking gunshot residue (GSR) and
  • Bullet path may be altered by bone/tissue

Special Types of Firearm Wounds

  • Inlet wounds: "D" or "F"-shaped shapes from tumbling.
  • Ricochet: Bullet strikes a solid object before reaching the target, leaving marks on object.
  • Multiple exits: The bullet disintegrates or is disrupted during its trajectory

Complications and Sequels

  • Depends on injury site and involved organs/blood vessels, immediate death from contact shots, can cause various injuries (paralysis, internal bleeding).

Investigation for Firearm Injuries

  • Determining if a case involves firearm
  • Identifying inlet/exit wounds
  • Determining type of weapon
  • Assessing firing range.
  • Establishing circumstances of injury.
  • Identifying cause of death.

Gunpowder

  • Black powder: Combination of carbon, sulfur, and potassium nitrate.
  • Smokeless powder: Usually nitrocellulose and/or nitroglycerin.

Primer

  • Lead azide
  • Lead styphnate
  • Mercury fulminate
  • Lead thiocyanate
  • Antimony sulfide

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Firearm Injuries PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the impact of bullets in forensic science. This quiz covers various aspects of gunshot wounds, including factors influencing their severity, the characteristics of contact wounds, exit versus entrance wounds, and the effects of different tissue densities. Answers to these critical questions will enhance your understanding of ballistics and injury analysis.

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