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How many reference points are needed to determine the trajectory of a bullet?

User CreyD
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Final answer:

To analyze a bullet's trajectory, at least two reference points are necessary, but more points increase accuracy. Larger muzzle velocity results in a flatter trajectory and air resistance would cause the bullet to slow down, affecting its path.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the trajectory of a bullet, at least two reference points are necessary: where the bullet is at the moment of firing and one additional point along its path. However, the more reference points you have, the more accurate the trajectory determination will be. In the context of the question, calculating how low a bullet will hit at a different range than it is sighted for involves understanding projectile motion principles in Physics. With a muzzle velocity of 275 m/s, if a gun is sighted to hit a target 100 m away, determining where the bullet will hit at 150 m requires knowledge of the horizontal distance traveled and the time of flight to calculate the vertical displacement due to gravity. Discussing the effects of a larger muzzle velocity, we understand that it would result in a flatter trajectory and longer range before the bullet drops a significant distance. Consequently, a higher muzzle velocity would require less compensation for gravity over the same distance compared to a lower velocity. Lastly, air resistance, which was not accounted for in these idealized calculations, would cause the bullet to slow down, potentially resulting in a lower and shorter trajectory than without air resistance.

User Tomas Tintera
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