Forensic Science Ballistics Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is Ballistics?

The study of projectiles

The study of projectiles, trajectories, and their effect on the target (correct)

The study of ammunition types

The study of firearms identification

What does Firearms Identification determine?

Whether a bullet or cartridge was fired by a particular weapon.

The three categories of Ballistics are ___, _, and _____.

Internal, External, Terminal

What happens internally in a firearm?

What happens in the weapon. Signup and view all the answers

What is explained in external ballistics?

What happens after the bullet leaves the barrel. Signup and view all the answers

What is terminal ballistics?

What happens when the bullet hits the target. Signup and view all the answers

The three types of bullets are ___, _, and _____.

Round Nose, Hollow Point, Wadcutter Signup and view all the answers

How does a gun work?

The firing pin hits the base of the cartridge, igniting the primer powder, which creates pressure pushing the bullet into the barrel. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Revolver?

A firearm where pulling the trigger turns the cylinder, positioning a cartridge before the barrel, then cocks and releases the hammer. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a Semiautomatic firearm?

They are quicker to fire and load than revolvers, with a magazine that holds up to 30 cartridges. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Sub-Machine Guns?

They can switch between automatic and semiautomatic fire. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Hunting Rifle?

These have a hand-operated lever or slide to eject the cartridge after firing. Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about a Shotgun?

A shotgun fires a handful of small lead pellets that spread, rather than a single bullet. Signup and view all the answers

What are Striation Marks?

Marks that can be matched to a particular weapon through comparing striation marks. Signup and view all the answers

What causes Striations in firearms?

Striations are made through a process called rifling. Signup and view all the answers

What are Spiral Grooves?

Spiral grooves are either cut or impressed upon the bore of a barrel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Several Points of Comparison in ballistics?

They help compare striation marks, lands and grooves, and caliber between bullets. Signup and view all the answers

Caliber is the _______ of the gun barrel.

diameter Signup and view all the answers

What describes Gunpowder Residues?

Unburned and partially burned particles of gunpowder propelled out with the bullet. Signup and view all the answers

What is Distance Determination?

The process of determining the distance between the firearm and the target. Signup and view all the answers

What are Visual residues in ballistics?

Nettles on the deposition of visible residues, unburned and partially burned gunpowder soot. Signup and view all the answers

What does Integrated Ballistics Identifications System (IBIS) do?

This system examines the unique markings of spent cartridge castings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN)?

A unified system incorporating both IBIS and DRUGFIRE. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ballistics

The study of projectiles, trajectories, and their effects on targets.

Firearms Identification

Concerned with determining if a bullet or cartridge was fired from a specific weapon.

Categories of Ballistics

Comprises three main types: Internal, External, and Terminal.

Internal Ballistics

Focuses on events occurring within the firearm during the firing process.

External Ballistics

Examines the bullet's path after it exits the barrel.

Terminal Ballistics

Analyzes the effects and interactions of a bullet upon hitting the target.

Types of Bullets

Includes Round Nose, Hollow Point, and Wadcutter.

How a Gun Works

Firing sequence: firing pin hits the cartridge base → ignites primer powder → sparks ignite main propellant → pressure expels bullet from the case into the barrel → bullet follows lands and grooves out of the barrel.

Revolver Mechanism

Functions by rotating the cylinder to position a cartridge before the barrel, followed by cocking and releasing the hammer when the trigger is pulled.

Semiautomatic Firearms

Feature quicker firing and loading capabilities; typically utilize a magazine that can hold up to 30 cartridges.

Sub-machine Guns

Can alternate between automatic and semiautomatic fire modes; use larger ammunition compared to standard handguns.

Hunting Rifles

Equipped with a hand-operated mechanism for ejecting cartridges post-firing and loading a fresh one.

Shotgun Characteristics

Fires numerous small lead pellets, increasing hit probability, as opposed to a single bullet.

Striation Marks

Unique markings on each bullet allow for identification and matching to specific firearms through comparison.

Striations

Created via the rifling process in gun barrels.

Spiral Grooves

Grooves cut or impressed in the bore of the barrel, contributing to bullet stabilization during flight.

Points of Comparison

Using comparison microscopes, experts assess striation marks, land and groove counts and orientations, and caliber matching.

Caliber

Refers to the diameter of the gun barrel, usually measured in millimeters.

Smooth Barrels

Shotguns have smooth barrels; the gauge measures barrel diameter rather than caliber.

Firing Process Steps

Primer explosion → powder ignition → gas buildup → bullet propulsion through the barrel → cartridge case contact with breech face → imperfections are transferred to the bullet and cartridge case.

Drugfire

A forensic tool developed for the FBI to analyze unique markings on spent cartridge casings.

Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS)

Created for ATF&E, it digitally analyzes distinguishing features on spent bullets and cartridge casings.

National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN)

A unified system that merges both IBIS and Drugfire applications.

Gunpowder Residue

Discharged firearms emit unburned and partially burned gunpowder particles along with smoke, impacting targets.

Distance Determination

Involves estimating the shooting distance based on powder distribution or shot spread patterns.

Visual Evidence

Examines visible residues like unburned gunpowder and stippling or tattooing patterns on targets.

Chemical Analysis

Focuses on identifying residues from firearms through chemical processes (incomplete information provided).

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Description

Explore the key concepts of ballistics in forensic science with these flashcards. Each card delves into essential terms such as firearms identification and the different categories of ballistics, enhancing your understanding of this critical field. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!