Video Notes: Ballistics and Motion Types

Vocabulary flashcards covering motion types, rifling, ballistics origins, and interior ballistics concepts from the notes.

Direct motion

The forward movement of the bullet out of the shell caused by the expanding gases from burning gunpowder.

Gyroscopic (Rotatory) motion

Rotation of the bullet imparted by rifling in the bore, twisting the projectile left or right.

Rifling

The grooves inside the bore that impart spin to the bullet.

Rifled bore

A firearm bore with helically grooved lands that cause the projectile to spin as it travels.

Translational motion

The motion of the bullet after impact, including ricochet.

Ricochet

Deflection or bounce of a bullet after striking a surface, often with low deformation.

Origin of the word ballistics

Derived from Greek ballo/ballein meaning 'to throw'; linked to the ballista war machine.

Interior (Internal) ballistics

Study of the processes inside the gun from cartridge loading to the bullet exiting the muzzle.

Firing pin

The pin that strikes the primer to initiate ignition.

Primer

The sensitive explosive in the cartridge that must be ignited to start the powder combustion.

Priming mixture

The sensitive material in the primer that must be live, potent, and moisture-free to ignite.

Ignition of the priming mixture

The process of lighting the primer’s explosive compound to start the powder burn.

Percussion

A method of igniting the priming mixture; often described as percussion ignition.

Combustion of gunpowder

Ignition of gunpowder triggered by the primer, producing the flame that drives the bullet.

Expansion of the heated gas

Expansion of gases after combustion that pushes the bullet and separates the bullet from the casing.

Pressure developed

The high pressure generated in the firearm’s chamber during powder combustion.

Energy generated

The kinetic energy produced by the bullet (muzzle energy) upon firing.

Recoil of the gun

Backward movement of the gun due to Newton’s third law as the bullet accelerates forward.

Jump (muzzle jump)

Backward and upward movement of the gun just before the bullet leaves the muzzle.