How do rifle bullets travel due to the pull of gravity?

Rifle bullets travel in an arc due to the pull of gravity. When a bullet is fired, it initially moves forward in a straight line because of its speed and the force propelling it out of the barrel. However, gravity begins to affect the bullet almost immediately after it leaves the barrel. As the bullet ascends to its peak height, gravity gradually pulls it downwards, resulting in a curved trajectory. This arc is a result of the bullet’s initial velocity and the downward force exerted by gravity, causing it to rise momentarily and then fall to the ground.

Understanding this arc is crucial for hunters when aiming, especially over long distances. They must account for this trajectory by adjusting their sights or aiming higher to compensate for the drop of the bullet. This concept highlights the importance of knowing how external forces like gravity influence the path of a projectile.