ballistics Flashcards
what is the definition of ballistics
scientific study of a projectile in flight
what are the 4 categories of ballistics
- internal
-external
-terminal
-wound
how does forensic ballistics differentiate in terms of definition
the application of science to law in identifying used cartridge cases and fibred bullets to connect them to a particular firearm
what is the definition of interior ballistics
the study of projectiles in weapons
what is the definition of external ballistics
study of projectiles in the air
what is the definition of terminal ballistics
the study of projectile penetration of solids
what is the definition of would ballistics
the study of projectile penetration of tissue
why is kinetic energy important in ballistics
a moving projectile has kinetic energy proportional to its weight and velocity
what is the wounding effect of a projectile in terms of kinetic energy
it is produced by transfer of kinetic energy from the projectile to the tissues.
the greater the kinetic energy= greater the wounding potential
what happens if the projectile doesnt exit the body in terms of kinetic energy
all kinetic energy has been transferred to the tissues (only some if the projectile exits)
what is the legal definition of firearms
a lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged
where is the legal definition of firearms found
UK firearms act, section 57, 1968
what are 2 roles of a firearm
-ensure projectile travels in the right direction
-ensures bullet arrives at target nose first
-discharge a projectile with enough energy to kill
what are 2 safety precautions to keep around firearms
never point a firearm at anyone/thing you don’t wish to destroy
never leave a loaded firearm unattended
what are 3 examples of small arms
- shotguns
rifles
-cattle killers
what does the Proof act rule
no small arm may be sold, exchanged, exported etc until fully proved
what is the maximum penalty for selling small arms
£1,000
what is ammunition
what is fired from a gun. comprised of:
- cartridge case, primer, propellant and bullet
what is a cartridge
metal/plastic casing containing primer and propellent and forms a gas tight seal with the bullet
what is a bullet
part of ammo that is projected from firearm
what is the propellent
a compound which will burn explosively to produce a large volume of gas in the cartridge
where is the headstamp and details of calibre and manufacture found on the ammo
on the rim
what is a primer in ammunition
mix of compounds that explode when compressed, igniting the propellant
what is done in forensic ballistics
evidence recovery from scene
trace evidence recovery from hands etc
ballistics
