Lesson 1 - Firearm Basics

Graph #2

Graph Question 2

Comparison of the KINETIC ENERGY of Ammunition Fired from Various Firearms

Problem: How do the kinetic energy levels of a handgun, a rifle, and a shotgun differ?

Procedure:
  • Use the data below to plot three lines on one graph.
  • Use the x-axis to represent the three distances: 0 m (muzzle), 50 m, and 100 m.
  • Use the y-axis to represent kinetic energy (in Joules).
  • Provide a legend for your graph; a title is given.
 

KINETIC ENERGY

(Joules)

at a distance of

Type of Firearm

Type of Ammunition

Type of Bullet

0m

(muzzle)

50m

100m

Pistol

9 mm Luger

Jacketed hollow point

462

380

327

Rifle

.223 Remington

Metal jacket

1738

1410

1260

Shotgun

12-gauge Slug

3inch/ 1oz. slug

4070

2380

1520

Click Here for paper to use as a graph.

Related Questions:

Kinetic Energy of Ammunition Fired from Various Firearms

  1. Which firearm projects its bullet with the most kinetic energy? Explain.
    Ans.  Shotgun / .12-gauge slug. This firearm likely causes the most kinetic energy to be generated because the .12 gauge slug contains more gunpowder than the other rounds.
  2. Why does the kinetic energy of each bullet decline as it moves away from where it was shot?
    Ans.  Kinetic energy is a function of mass and velocity (Ek = 1/2mv2). Therefore, as each bullet moves, its kinetic energy decreases because its velocity decreases (as shown in graph #1).
  3. Which type of ammunition loses kinetic energy at the slowest rate?
    Ans.  9 mm Luger / jacketed hollow point