What does the term "ballistics" refer to in the study of firearms?

The term "ballistics" specifically refers to the study of the behavior of projectiles in motion. This includes understanding how a bullet behaves after it is fired from a firearm, which can encompass various factors such as trajectory, velocity, and the effects of external forces like gravity and wind. Ballistics is crucial in forensic science as it aids in crime scene investigations, helping to determine the path of a bullet and the distance it traveled, which can provide important evidence in legal cases. The study encompasses internal ballistics (inside the firearm), external ballistics (in-flight), and terminal ballistics (impact effects). This comprehensive approach to understanding projectile dynamics distinguishes it from other aspects of firearms, such as cleaning techniques or historical development.