bullet trajectory
Shot's flight arc
Bullet trajectory is the curved path a bullet follows after being fired.
Though bullets appear to travel in straight lines over short distances, gravity pulls them downward throughout flight, creating an arc.
Shooters and ballisticians calculate trajectory to predict where a bullet will strike at various ranges: The scope was adjusted to compensate for bullet trajectory at 500 yards.
- muzzle velocityProjectile speed at barrel-end
- dropFall or release
- lineContinuous mark or queue
- sniper rifleScoped firearm for distant targets
- dragResistance through fluid
rifling · Coriolis effect · marksmanship · firing range · kill shot · windage · gravity · arc · speed · acceleration · air pressure · momentum · spin · kinetic energy · path · crime scene analysis · wind resistance · caliber
- marksmanshipmarksmanship, dry firing, accuracy, aim, target practice
- trajectoriesarc, path, parabola, flight path, curved path
- ballisticscartridge, casing, muzzle velocity, striations, velocity
- wound ballisticsentry wound, exit wound, penetration, tissue damage, cavitation
bullet trajectoryimpact point
Where contact occurs
point of impact · terminal point · bullet wound · entry point · bullet hole
bullet trajectorydeflection
Change in trajectory