LESSON 1

Question 1

Define Ballistics.

Answer 1

is the science that deals with the study of the motion of the projectile. Science refers to the systematized body of knowledge. Motion refers to the movement and projectile refers to the bullet that passes through the barrel of the firearms

Question 2

Discuss the origin of the term Ballistics.

Answer 2

BALLISTICS is derived from the greek word “BALLO’ or “BALLEIN” which means to throw and from the Roman war machine “BALLISTA”. A gigantic bow or catapult that hurls stones in killing enemies and wild animals.

Question 3

Define Forensic.

Answer 3

Forensic is an adjective referring to formal eloquence or consequently formal court discussion. More broadly, the word Forensic has become almost synonymous with legal. For instance, “Forensic Medicine” means “Legal Medicine.”

Question 4

Enumerate the branches of ballistics.

Answer 4

1. Interior Ballistics
2. Exterior Ballistics
3. Terminal Ballistics

Question 5

Identify the basic differences among Interior, Exterior, and Terminal

Answer 5

1. INTERIOR BALLISTICS-treats of the motion of projectile while still inside the firearm.
2. EXTERIOR BALLISTICS-treats of the motion of projectiles after leaving the muzzle of the gun barrel.
3. TERMINAL BALLISTICS-treats the effects of the impact of the bullet towards the target.

Question 6

Discuss Interior Ballistics

Answer 6

a. Firing pin hitting the primer

b. Ignition of the priming mixture

c. Combustion of gunpowder

d. Expansion of heated gas

e. Pressure developed - measured in pounds per square inch (lbs./sq. inch or psi).

f. Energy generated measured in foot pound. Foot pound capacity to lift one pound at the height of one foot.

g. Recoil of the Firearm- the rearward movement of the firearm after explosion

h. Velocity of the bullet- measured in feet per second (ft./sec.)

i. Rotation of the bullet inside the barrel

j. Engraving on the cylindrical surface of the bullet.

Question 7

Discuss Exterior Ballistics

Answer 7

a. Muzzle blast- the sound created at the muzzle end of the barrel of the firearm after the explosion.

b. Muzzle Energy (ME) - energy generated after leaving the firearms.

c. Trajectory is the actual pattern of the curved path of the bullet in flight.

d. Range is the distance between the firearm and the target.
1. Effective range - the maximum distance at which the projectile can be expected to be lethal.
2. Maximum range- the greatest distance a projectile can travel when fired at the optimum angle of elevation of the barrel.

e. Velocity- the speed of the bullet

f. Air resistance- encountered by the bullet in flight

g. Pull of gravity - the downward movement of the bullet

h. Penetration - the entry of the bullet on target.

Question 8

Discuss Terminal Ballistics

Answer 8

a. Terminal accuracy-the size of the bullet grouping on the target.

b . Terminal energy-energy of the bullet.

c. Terminal velocity- the speed of the bullet

d. Terminal penetration - the depth of the bullet on target.

Question 9

Discuss Forensic Ballistics

Answer 9

FORENSIC BALLSITICS - is the science of Firearms Identification by means of the ammunition fired through them. ( NOT A BRANCH)

a. Field Investigation refers to the work of an investigator in the field. It concerns mostly with the collections, marking, preservation, packing and transmission of firearms evidences. It includes the study of class characteristics of firearms and bullets.

b. Technical Examination - refers to the examiners who examine bullets and/or shells whether fired from the suspected firearms submitted, and/or to determine also whether or not cartridge cases were loaded or ejected from the suspected firearm submitted. Reports are made by the examiners and testify in court regarding their report.

c. Legal Proceedings - presentation of Ballistics reports, firearm, bullets, cartridges cases and allied exhibits in the court