What characteristic defines radial fractures in glass?

Radial fractures in glass are characterized by their propagation pattern, beginning at the point of impact and radiating outward. This formation occurs as a result of the stress from the impact force, which generates fractures that extend away from the source of that force. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for forensic investigators, as analyzing the pattern of these fractures can provide valuable information about the nature of the impact and the potential trajectory of the object that caused it.

The other options do not accurately describe radial fractures. For instance, while fractures do form around the impact site, they do not create circular patterns around it; that would describe concentric fractures. Similarly, radial fractures can occur in various types of impacts and are not exclusive to high-speed projectiles, nor are they limited to one side of the glass, as they commence from the impact site and extend outwards in multiple directions. Understanding these distinctions is essential in properly interpreting glass fracture patterns in a forensic context.