Forensics Ballistics Flashcards
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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?

<p>A case that holds a bullet, primer powder, and gunpowder, also called a round.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primer in firearm terminology?

<p>When struck by the pin it ignites and explodes the gunpowder or propellant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are long guns?

<p>Includes rifles and shotguns which require two hands for accurate shooting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes shotguns?

<p>Shotguns fire small round pellets called shots, or single projectiles called slugs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a revolver?

<p>Revolvers hold 6 cartridges and can be single or double action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a semi-automatic pistol?

<p>Can be fired one after the other and loads up to 10 cartridges in a magazine clip.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Glock has a trigger pull of around 12 pounds.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a hollow point bullet designed to do?

<p>Expand upon impact</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines caliber in firearms?

<p>Bullets are named by caliber and length in inches and millimeters; caliber matches the diameter of the inside of a firearm's barrel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The wad in shotgun shells serves what purpose?

<p>To separate shot from powder</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a wadcutter bullet used for?

<p>Used in target practice, punches small, neat hole in the target.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of lead used in bullets?

<p>Lead is cheap, dense, soft, and easy to mold.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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.

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