1.What is the primary oxidizing agent in gunpowder?
a) Charcoal
b) Sulfur
c) Potassium Nitrate (Saltpeter)
d) Sodium Chloride
Answer: c) Potassium Nitrate (Saltpeter)
Forensic Ballistics MCQs
2. What is the typical proportion of potassium nitrate in gunpowder?
a) 10-15%
b) 20-25%
c) 75-80%
d) 90-95%
Answer: c) 75-80%
3. Which component of gunpowder serves as the fuel during combustion?
a) Sulfur
b) Charcoal
c) Potassium Nitrate
d) Sodium Chloride
Answer: b) Charcoal
4. Why is sulfur added to gunpowder?
a) To enhance its burn rate
b) To provide oxygen for combustion
c) To reduce its sensitivity to ignition
d) To improve its color in fireworks
Answer: a) To enhance its burn rate
5. What is the typical range for sulfur content in gunpowder?
a) 1-3%
b) 5-8%
c) 10-15%
d) 20-25%
Answer: b) 5-8%
6. What is the primary purpose of saltpeter (potassium nitrate) in gunpowder?
a) To act as a fuel
b) To provide a source of oxygen
c) To enhance sensitivity to ignition
d) To reduce smoke production
Answer: b) To provide a source of oxygen
7. Which of the following is a common modern alternative to traditional black powder in firearms?
a) Smokeless powder
b) White powder
c) Charcoal powder
d) Nitro-glycerine
Answer: a) Smokeless powder
8. What is the primary reason for using smokeless powder in firearms instead of black powder?
a) Smokeless powder is cheaper
b) Black powder is less stable
c) Smokeless powder produces less smoke and residue
d) Black powder is more readily available
Answer: c) Smokeless powder produces less smoke and residue
9. Which component of gunpowder is responsible for creating the spiral grooves in a firearm’s barrel?
a) Sulfur
b) Charcoal
c) Potassium Nitrate
d) None of the above
Answer: d) None of the above (the grooves are formed by the rifling inside the barrel).
10. What is the key property of gunpowder that allows it to propel bullets out of a firearm?
a) Its color
b) Its smell
c) Its explosiveness
d) Its burn rates
Answer: d) Its burn rate
Also Read: 100+ MCQs on Forensic Ballistics
Read about Forensic Ballistics:
Forensic Examination of Firearms
