What is the history of ballistics?

What is the history of ballistics?

Ballistics is the study of the motion of projectiles. Its history dates back to ancient times when early weapons like the sling and the bow were used. The development of firearms in the 14th century marked a significant advancement in ballistics.

How did the invention of firearms change ballistics?

The invention of firearms introduced new principles of ballistics, including internal, external, and terminal ballistics. It shifted the focus from simple projectile motion to complex interactions involving gunpowder, barrel design, and aerodynamics.

Who were some key figures in the development of ballistics?

Key figures include Galileo Galilei, who studied projectile motion, and Sir Isaac Newton, whose laws of motion laid the groundwork for modern ballistics. Later, figures like Benjamin Robins and Sir Hiram Maxim made significant contributions.

What are the different types of ballistics?

There are three main types of ballistics: internal ballistics (the behavior of a projectile inside the firearm), external ballistics (the flight of the projectile through the air), and terminal ballistics (the effects of the projectile upon impact).

How is ballistics used in forensic science?

In forensic science, ballistics is used to analyze firearms, bullets, and cartridge cases to determine the type of weapon used in a crime, the distance from which a shot was fired, and to match bullets to specific firearms.