Which physical principle is commonly used to determine the trajectory of a bullet?

The correct approach to determining the trajectory of a bullet involves applying the principles of motion and gravity. When a bullet is fired, it follows a parabolic path influenced primarily by the force of gravity and the initial velocity imparted by the firearm. According to Newton's laws of motion, the bullet will continue along its path until acted upon by external forces, such as air resistance or gravity, which will affect its trajectory.

Gravity plays a crucial role as it acts on the bullet, pulling it downward as it travels forward, thus creating a curved path. Understanding these dynamics allows forensic analysts to calculate the bullet's trajectory from the point of origin to the impact point, which is vital for crime scene reconstruction, determining shooting angles, and assessing the positions of individuals involved in the incident.

Other principles, such as conservation of mass or thermodynamics, do not directly relate to bullet trajectory in a meaningful way. Atmospheric pressure has minimal impact in this context and does not substantially alter a bullet's flight path in typical conditions encountered at crime scenes. Therefore, the principles of motion and gravity are the key factors for this analysis.