What phenomenon describes the marking effect created by gunpowder on skin?

Tattooing refers to the specific marking effect that gunpowder can leave on the skin when a firearm is discharged close to it. When a gun is fired, especially at short range, the high-speed particles of gunpowder and other combustion products can penetrate the skin, causing small, punctate abrasions or marks that resemble tattoos. This phenomenon is particularly significant in forensic investigations, as it helps determine the proximity of the shooter to the victim at the time of discharge.

In contrast, the other terms either do not accurately describe the effect of gunpowder or refer to different injury mechanisms. Cutting refers to lacerations made by a sharp instrument, burning indicates damage caused by heat or flames, and scarring is a result of the body healing after injury. None of these accurately capture the unique characteristic of gunpowder marking on skin, emphasizing why tattooing is the appropriate term in this context.