What is terminal ballistics?

Terminal ballistics focuses specifically on understanding the effects of a projectile upon impact with a target. This field of study investigates how energy is transferred from the projectile to the target, which can influence both the extent of damage caused and the overall effectiveness of the ammunition in fulfilling its intended purpose.

By examining factors such as penetration, expansion, and trauma caused by the projectile, terminal ballistics plays a crucial role in fields like forensic science, military applications, and hunting, where understanding the outcome of a shot is essential.

Other areas mentioned in the choices represent different aspects of ballistics. The study of ammunition types pertains more to ammunition selection and performance characteristics, while the upward motion of projectiles relates to the principles of external ballistics. The behavior of projectiles in the barrel is concerned with internal ballistics, which examines the processes within the firearm leading up to the projectile's exit. Thus, while all these elements are essential in the comprehensive study of ballistics, terminal ballistics specifically addresses the aftermath of projectile impact.