Questions and Answers
What is ballistics?
Study of bullets and ammunition through the comparison of fired bullets, cartridges, guns, and gunpowder patterns on people and objects.
Gunpowder is made of _____, _____, and _____.
potassium nitrate, charcoal, sulfur
What happens when gunpowder is ignited?
Gunpowder expands and causes a violent explosion.
What is a cartridge?
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What is primer in firearm terminology?
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What are long guns?
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What characterizes shotguns?
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What is a revolver?
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What distinguishes a semi-automatic pistol?
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The Glock has a trigger pull of around 12 pounds.
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What is a hollow point bullet designed to do?
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What defines caliber in firearms?
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The wad in shotgun shells serves what purpose?
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What is a wadcutter bullet used for?
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What is the main characteristic of lead used in bullets?
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Study Notes
Ballistics Overview
- The study of bullets and ammunition considers fired bullets, cartridges, guns, and gunpowder patterns.
- Crucial for forensic analysis in criminal investigations.
Expert Determination
- Determines type of firearm and caliber.
- Assesses the number of bullets fired and their positions.
- Evaluates if a weapon has been previously used.
Gunpowder Composition
- Made from potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur.
- Ignition leads to rapid expansion, causing explosions.
Cartridge Definition
- A cartridge contains a bullet, primer powder, and gunpowder; also referred to as a round.
Primer Function
- Ignites gunpowder or propellant when struck by the firing pin.
Long Guns
- Includes rifles and shotguns requiring two hands for accurate shooting.
Rifle Characteristics
- Fires long, thin bullets, and used for hunting and military applications.
- Offers long-range accuracy, with firing modes from single-shot to fully automatic.
Shotgun Specifications
- Fires small pellets (shots) or slugs, utilizing shotgun shells.
- Effective at short distances with pellets spreading upon firing.
Shotgun Shells
- Contains a wad of plastic or fiber that separates shot from powder for efficient gas sealing and bullet propulsion.
Handgun Features
- Short bullets and barrels reduce rifling, affecting long-distance accuracy.
Revolver Design
- Holds up to six cartridges, features single or double action, and lacks safety measures.
- Can fire 5-8 rounds while retaining shells.
Pistol/Semi-Automatic Details
- Fires bullets sequentially; can load up to 10 cartridges in a magazine.
- Semi-automatic fires one bullet per trigger pull; automatic continues firing as long as triggered.
Glock Characteristics
- Holds 17 rounds and has a lighter, more accurate trigger pull (around 5 pounds).
- Lightweight and durable, designed for regular use without extensive cleaning.
Bullet Types
- Full Metal Jacket: Copper casing improves exit velocity, maximizes penetration, and maintains shape upon impact.
- Half Metal Jacket: Lead bullet partially coated with copper; promotes accurate penetration and controlled expansion.
- Lead Bullets: Inexpensive, dense, and malleable.
- Wadcutter: Flat bullet used for target practice, known for creating neat holes.
- Round Nose: Maximizes penetration and easily loads into chambers.
- Hollow Point: Designed for soft targets, expands upon impact for greater damage.
- Shredder: Serrated tip bullet that causes significant tissue damage.
Caliber Information
- Bullets are categorized by caliber (diameter) and length, typically measured in inches or millimeters.
- Caliber corresponds to the internal diameter of a firearm's barrel.
Firearm Operation
- The firing pin strikes the cartridge base, igniting the primer.
- Sparks travel through the flash hole to ignite the main propellant, leading to bullet discharge.
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Description
Explore the essential terminology and concepts related to forensics ballistics. This quiz will help you understand the study of bullets, firearms, and how experts assess evidence in ballistic investigations.
