Overview
Ballistics is the science of the motion of projectiles, such as bullets, through the air or through a medium such as water or glass. It is a fundamental part of both civilian and military weapons technology, as well as law enforcement applications. Ballistics is used to determine the trajectory, speed, and range of a bullet or other projectile. It is also used to measure the impact and penetration of a bullet upon its target, and to calculate the effects of a firearm's muzzle velocity and rate of fire. The accuracy of ballistics has improved over the years, allowing law enforcement personnel to more accurately trace bullets and match them to weapons and suspects. Ballistics also has other industrial applications, such as in the design of structures that need to withstand ballistic impact.