What does the term "ballistic trajectory" refer to?

The term "ballistic trajectory" specifically refers to the path that a bullet or projectile follows once it is fired from a weapon. This trajectory takes into account various factors such as the initial velocity of the bullet, the angle of elevation at which it is fired, gravity, air resistance, and even wind conditions. Understanding ballistic trajectories is crucial in forensic science as it helps investigators determine where a shooting incident occurred, the position of the shooter, and the potential impact point of the bullet.

While other options touch on aspects related to firearms or projectiles, they do not encapsulate the complete concept of ballistic trajectory. For example, the calculated angle of a shot and the distance a bullet travels are important elements affecting the trajectory, but they do not define it. The type of fracture created by a projectile is more related to the effects on materials or living tissue rather than the path the bullet itself travels. Thus, the definition that encompasses the full scope of the term is indeed the path a bullet takes when fired.