Final answer:
The path of a bullet is determined by its initial velocity and the force of gravity. If the muzzle velocity is higher, the bullet will travel farther before hitting the ground. The bullet's velocity and impulse after impact with an object depend on the interaction between the two.
Step-by-step explanation:
The path of a bullet is determined by a combination of the initial velocity given to the bullet and the gravitational force pulling it downward. If the bullet is fired with a higher muzzle velocity, it will travel farther before hitting the ground. Additionally, if the bullet is fired with a high enough muzzle velocity, it can achieve a circular path around the Earth.
The magnitude and direction of the velocity of the bullet after impact depends on the interaction between the bullet and the object it strikes. If the bullet embeds itself in the object, the two will move together as one unit. The magnitude and direction of the impulse exerted by the object on the bullet can be determined using the principles of Newton's laws of motion.