Talk:Physics of firearms

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Contents 1 Point event 2 Trajectory 3 Nitpick 4 Conservation of energy

[edit] Point event

Isn't it too simplistic to discuss the accelleration of the bullet as a point event? In reality the bullet is accellerated along the entire length of the barrel. Indeed the charge in a centerfire rifle round is still combusting (and developing pressure) almost until the round leaves the barrel. This accelleration over time is very different from a point event. The impact to the target might be closer to a point event depending on the deformation and energy-shedding charistics of the round.

While you may be right, if we take things like this into consideration, you can also consider the air pressure inside the room in which the gun is being fired. The air pressure inside the room increases, creating a similar acceleration on a lesser level. These effects make things overly complicated. Let's assume, for simplicity's sake, that the gun is fired in space.

--LocrialTheSequel 03:34, 6 March 2006 (UTC)

The assumption that the accelleration is a point event goes grossly against the science of internal ballistics, which is a real very serious field off study. I intend to add IB stuff to this article over time. Georgewilliamherbert 02:45, 15 April 2006 (UTC)

This page doesn't discuss the accelleration on the bullet at all. Internal ballistics is covered on another page.

I think the "other information" probably also belongs in one of the ballistics pages since it isn't really talking about physics.--schroding79, 2 May 2006

[edit] Trajectory

Perhaps most importantly, this page is missing a description of the ballistic--i.e., parabolic--trajectory that bullets (and all projectiles) undergo when they are fired.

Ok, I missed the trajectory of a projectile page. A link would be appropriate from this page to that one, along with a short description.

[edit] Nitpick

Just to pick nits: The Mythbusters reference states they tested an M1 Garand. I seem to remember that they used the same rifle as in the episode on testing bulletproof stuff - a WWI era rifle. I think it was a Springfield. Michael Daly 20:32, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

From what I can tell, it's an M1. Episode 34: Bulletproof Water, 360 Swing at Annotated Mythbusters video clip from Mythbusters Episode 34 Arthurrh 00:09, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

I stand corrected. Thanks! Michael Daly 23:12, 15 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Conservation of energy

Made some minor edits to the kinetic energy section to clarify that energy, as well as momentum, is conserved. E.g. "...allows significantly more KINETIC energy to be imparted to the bullet than to the shooter." Hope this helps. :-) Todd Johnston (talk) 05:39, 2 June 2008 (UTC)