Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT one of the four forces acting on a bullet?

1. Drag

2. Force

3. Cavitation

4. Fragmentation

The correct answer is: Force

In the context of ballistics, the four primary forces acting on a bullet during its flight are drag, gravity, and the forces associated with cavitation and fragmentation. Drag refers to the resistance experienced by the bullet as it moves through the air, which slows it down. Gravity is the downward force that pulls the bullet toward the ground as it travels. Cavitation occurs when the bullet moves through a medium (like flesh) and creates temporary channels or cavities, resulting in significant tissue damage. Fragmentation refers to the break-up of a bullet upon impact, which can increase the lethality of the projectile. The answer indicating "force" as not one of the four forces is indeed accurate, as "force" is too vague and does not describe a specific phenomenon acting on a bullet. It does not directly address the specific applicable forces like drag, gravity, cavitation, or fragmentation, making it the incorrect option in this context. Understanding these concepts is crucial for analyzing bullet behavior, especially in situations relevant to EMTs or forensic investigations.