The typical speed of a bullet per second, right after it's fired, is approximately 2,700 feet per second.
Initial Muzzle Velocity
When a bullet is fired from a firearm, its initial speed, known as muzzle velocity, is incredibly high. According to Dr. Karl Homework from ABC Science, a bullet typically achieves a muzzle velocity of around 2,700 feet per second. This rapid initial speed is crucial for its trajectory and impact.
To provide a clearer perspective, here's a breakdown of a bullet's typical initial speed in different units:
| Measurement Unit | Approximate Speed |
|---|---|
| Feet per second (ft/s) | ~2,700 ft/s |
| Kilometres per hour (km/h) | ~3,000 km/h |
This demonstrates the immense energy and force involved at the moment a bullet exits the barrel.
Factors Affecting Bullet Speed After Firing
It's important to note that a bullet does not maintain its initial speed throughout its flight path. Once the gases that propel it forward stop pushing, the bullet immediately begins to slow down. This deceleration is primarily due to two fundamental forces:
- Air Resistance: As the bullet travels through the air, it constantly pushes against air molecules. This creates drag, or air resistance, which acts as a decelerating force, gradually reducing the bullet's speed. The denser the air, the greater the resistance.
- Downward Suck of Gravity: Gravity continuously pulls the bullet downwards, influencing its trajectory and, to a lesser extent, its forward speed. While primarily affecting its vertical path, gravity is a constant force acting on the bullet.
These forces mean that the "speed of a bullet per second" is not a constant value across its entire flight path but rather refers to its initial velocity at the moment it leaves the gun.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Dr Karl Homework: ABC Science article on "Bullets Fired Up".
