Questions Set-1_Forensic Ballistics Questions

Q1. The process of determining the distance between a fired gun and a target based on gunshot residue patterns?

a) Trajectory analysis

b) Range determination

c) Firearm identification

d) Bullet matching

ANSWER:

b) Range determination

EXPLANATION:

Range determination involves determining the distance between a fired gun and a target based on gunshot residue patterns.

Q2 Which type of firearm mechanism typically features a rotating cylinder that holds multiple rounds of ammunition?

a) Semi-automatic

b) Bolt-action

c) Revolver

d) Lever-action

ANSWER:

c) Revolver

EXPLANATION:

Revolvers feature a rotating cylinder that holds multiple rounds of ammunition and aligns them with the barrel for firing.

Q3. Assertion(A): The presence of gunshot residue (GSR) on clothing conclusively indicates that the individual fired a gun.

Reason(R): GSR particles are only deposited on clothing when a gun is discharged in close proximity to the individual.

a.      Both A and R are false.

b.      Both A and R are true.

c.       A is correct but R is false.

d.      A is false but R is correct.

ANSWER:

e.      A is false but R is true

EXPLANATION:

This statement is partly true. While the presence of gunshot residue on clothing can suggest recent contact with a firearm, it is not always conclusive evidence of firing. GSR particles can be transferred through proximity to a discharged firearm, handling ammunition, or being in the vicinity of gunfire. Therefore, while GSR on clothing can be suggestive, further investigation and analysis are needed to determine if the individual, actually, fired a gun.

Q4. Assertion (A): The presence of bullet wipe on a gunshot wound indicates a contact or close-range shot.

Reason(R): Bullet wipe consists of bullet lubricant and soot deposited around a gunshot wound upon contact with the skin.

a.      Both A and R are false.

b.      Both A and R are true.

c.       A is correct but R is false.

d.      A is false but R is correct.

ANSWER:

a.       Both A and R are true

EXPLANATION:

Bullet wipe refers to the deposition of bullet lubricant and soot around a gunshot wound upon contact with the skin. It is commonly observed in close-range or contact shots, where the burning propellant gases and bullet lubricant are deposited on the skin along with the bullet. Therefore, the presence of bullet wipe is indicative of a contact or close-range shot, where the muzzle of the firearm is in close proximity to the target.

Q5. Which type of bullet construction is designed to break apart upon impact, reducing the risk of over-penetration?

a) Armor-piercing

b) Frangible

c) Incendiary

d) Tracer

ANSWER:

b) Frangible

EXPLANATION:

Frangible bullets are designed to break apart upon impact with hard surfaces, reducing the risk of ricochets and over-penetration, making them suitable for use in environments where ricochets are a concern.

Q6. What phenomenon can cause a bullet to deviate from its intended path due to the rotation of the Earth?

a) Bullet drift

b) Coriolis effect

c) Trajectory deflection

d) Windage

ANSWER:

b) Coriolis effect

EXPLANATION:

The Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, can influence the trajectory of a bullet over long distances, leading to deviations from its intended path.

Q7. Projectile behavior in flight is influenced by various external factors, including environmental conditions and projectile design. Consider a scenario where a forensic examiner analyzes a series of bullet trajectories from a shooting incident. The examination reveals consistent horizontal dispersion of bullet impacts despite identical firing conditions. Based on this information, which of the following external factors is most likely contributing to the observed phenomenon?

a) Wind drift

b) Elevation deviation

c) Coriolis effect

d) Projectile weight variation

ANSWER:

a) Wind drift

EXPLANATION:

Horizontal dispersion of bullet impacts despite identical firing conditions suggests the influence of external factors such as wind drift. Wind can affect bullet trajectories, causing horizontal deviation from the intended path. The consistent nature of the dispersion indicates a consistent wind direction or speed during the shooting incident. This information is essential for accurately assessing shooting accuracy and environmental influences on projectile behavior.

Q8. What type of firearm mechanism relies on the force of expanding gases to cycle the action?

a) Blowback

b) Gas-operated

c) Recoil-operated

d) Lever-action

ANSWER:

a) Blowback

EXPLANATION:

Blowback firearms rely on the force of expanding gases from the fired cartridge to push the slide or bolt backward, cycling the action.

Q09. Which type of ammunition is most prone to causing ricochets due to its design?

a) Full metal jacket

b) Hollow point

c) Soft point

d) Frangible

ANSWER:

a) Full metal jacket

EXPLANATION:

Full metal jacket bullets, with their hard metal casing, are more likely to ricochet off surfaces compared to other ammunition types designed to deform or expand upon impact.

Q10. Which firearm component is least likely to leave identifiable marks on a fired bullet?

a) Firing pin

b) Extractor

c) Ejector

d) Hammer

ANSWER:

d) Hammer

EXPLANATION:

While the hammer may come into contact with the cartridge during firing, it typically doesn't leave distinctive marks like those left by the firing pin, extractor, or ejector.

Author:- Bhawana Sharma