External ballistics is the branch of ballistics that studies the behavior of a projectile in flight after it has left the barrel of a firearm. It focuses on the forces acting on the projectile, such as gravity, air resistance, and wind, which influence its trajectory. Understanding these factors helps in predicting where a bullet will land and is essential for accurate shooting. The study of external ballistics involves analyzing the shape and speed of the projectile, as well as environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. This knowledge is crucial for various applications, including military operations, hunting, and sport shooting, ensuring precision and effectiveness in using firearms.