What occurs during the terminal ballistics phase?

The terminal ballistics phase refers specifically to what happens when a projectile impacts a target and the subsequent effects on that target. This includes the assessment of how the projectile behaves upon entering the target and its interaction with materials, including biological tissues.

During this phase, several critical factors come into play, such as the transfer of energy from the projectile to the target and the resulting damage inflicted. The permanent tissue damage caused by the projectile is a key focus, as it directly relates to the effectiveness of the projectile concerning its intended purpose, particularly in the context of firearms and ammunition.

In contrast, the functioning of the firearm before firing, the flight dynamics of the projectile, and the extraction and ejection of the spent cartridge all pertain to earlier phases of ballistics. These aspects involve the operation of the weapon and the behavior of the projectile in flight, rather than the outcome of the impact. Terminal ballistics is primarily concerned with the consequences of the projectile’s impact, which is why the emphasis on permanent tissue damage is the correct answer.