What does 'internal ballistics' refer to?

Internal ballistics specifically addresses the processes and events that take place inside a firearm when a round is discharged. This encompasses the interaction of various components during firing, including the ignition of the primer, the burning of the gunpowder, the pressure created within the chamber, and the movement of the projectile down the barrel. Understanding internal ballistics is crucial for analyzing firearm performance, improving accuracy, and developing safe and effective ammunition.

The other options relate to different aspects of ballistics. The flight of the projectile pertains to external ballistics, which concerns the behavior of the bullet once it leaves the barrel until it reaches its target. The events following the projectile's impact, including its penetration and deformation upon striking a target, are associated with terminal ballistics. Understanding these different areas of ballistics is important for comprehensive firearm knowledge, but internal ballistics specifically focuses on the actions that occur within the firearm itself.