Ballistics is the science that studies the motion of projectiles, particularly firearms and ammunition. It encompasses various aspects, including the forces acting on a projectile, its trajectory, and the impact it has upon hitting a target. Understanding ballistics is crucial for improving the accuracy and effectiveness of weapons used in military and law enforcement applications.
There are three main types of ballistics: internal, external, and terminal. Internal ballistics focuses on the behavior of a projectile within a firearm, external ballistics examines its flight through the air, and terminal ballistics studies the effects of the projectile upon impact. Together, these areas help in the design and analysis of ammunition and weapon systems.