What does the term "ballistic" refer to in firearms?

The term "ballistic" refers to the study of the behavior of projectiles in motion, specifically how they travel through the air after being fired from a firearm. This field includes the analysis of various factors that affect projectile trajectories, such as gravity, air resistance, and the speed at which the projectile is traveling. Understanding ballistics is crucial for assessing the performance and accuracy of ammunition, helping shooters make informed decisions about the type of ammunition to use based on the intended application, whether it be for target shooting, hunting, or military use. This knowledge also plays a critical role in forensic science, where ballistic analysis can help reconstruct shooting incidents. The other options focus on aspects unrelated to the core definition of "ballistic" itself, such as firearm design, maintenance practices, or the auditory effects of gunfire.