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It depends on what the bullet is made from & the angle at which the hard surface is struck. A copper plated, lead core bullet will fragment when striking a hard surface. This is intentional as it increases the killing power of the projectile. A bullet such as a "hollow point" is made to shatter when striking something like bone. This is why a tiny bullet can leave and exit wound ten times larger than the projectile itself. This is useful for hunting, as a shot that's merely close to a vital organ can still kill due to the sideways movement of bullet fragments within the animal.

Geneva guidelines prohibit this type of expanding bullet for use during wartime since they cause massive tissue damage. A full metal jacket bullet will not expand on impact and in an armor piercing round it would simply transfer the force it carries into whatever object it was shot at... often times continuing through the target itself. This has its own advantages if the animal you're shooting has value as fur rather than food.

Without knowing what sort of 'hard surface' you refer to, it's difficult to answer this question. The simple and safest answer is NEVER shoot at a hard surface. This should be taught in any state's required firearms safety course. For instance, if you shoot a rifle at a lake (from any angle other than straight on) the bullet will skip off the water and you have no idea where your round was fired.

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What happens when a wave hits a hard surface?

When a wave hits a hard surface, it reflects off the surface. The angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence. Some energy may also be absorbed by the surface, causing it to vibrate.


What happens when a bullet hits a rubber sheet?

When a bullet hits a rubber sheet, the rubber will absorb some of the bullet's kinetic energy. The rubber sheet will stretch and deform, creating a bulge around the impact area. The bullet's force will eventually be dissipated through the material, causing the rubber to return to its original shape.


Is sound reflected when it hits a hard surface?

Yes, sound is reflected when it hits a hard surface. The angle at which the sound waves hit the surface determines the angle at which they are reflected. This reflection can contribute to echoes and reverberation in an environment.


When a bullet is fired from a gun what happens to the energy released?

When a bullet is fired from a gun, the energy stored in the gunpowder is converted into kinetic energy that propels the bullet forward. The bullet carries this kinetic energy as it travels through the air until it hits a target or loses its energy through friction and air resistance.


What happens to a wave when it hits a surface?

When a wave hits a surface, it can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted through the surface. The type of interaction depends on the properties of the surface and the wave itself. If the surface is smooth, the wave is more likely to be reflected; if the surface is rough, the wave might be absorbed or scattered in multiple directions.

Related Questions

Why is a ricochet produced on firing a bullet?

A ricochet occurs when a bullet hits something it cannot penatrate.


What happens when a bullet hits water?

Depends on the angle at which the bullet hits the water. At a shallow angle (less than 45 degrees) the bullet may bounce off the water, just as if it had hit a hard surface. At more direct angles, the bullet will splash, and may be deflected from a straight path. It will stop fairly quickly due to the resistance of the water.


What happens when a wave hits a hard surface?

When a wave hits a hard surface, it reflects off the surface. The angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence. Some energy may also be absorbed by the surface, causing it to vibrate.


Can a bullet bounce back after hitting a surface?

Yes, a bullet can bounce back after hitting a surface, depending on the angle and material of the surface it hits.


Can a slug bullet kill you?

Yes, any bullet can kill you. The amount of damage a bullet does depends on several factors, basically: where it hits you, how hard it hits you, and how big the bullet is (or how much it expands).


What happens when sound hits an object?

They are either absorbed [softsurface, e.g. wool] or refected [hard surface, e.g. metal]


When a stones hits a glass breaks out when bullet hits the glass it makes a holewhy?

because bullet has great velocity and it has less surface area on tip means it is pointed


Can a bullet ricochet back at you and cause harm?

Yes, a bullet can ricochet back at you and cause harm if it hits a hard surface at an angle that causes it to bounce back towards you. It is important to always practice proper gun safety to prevent accidents like this from happening.


What happens when a gun gets hit directly by a bullet?

Damage. How much depends on the gun that fired the bullet that hits it. it probably would explode


What happens when light hits a rough surface?

when light hits a rough surface it scattters.


What happens to the sunlight that hits the surface of the Earth?

Sunlight that hits the Earth's surface is absorbed by the Earth. It is then reflected back.


Can a bullet ricochet off a tree and cause injury or damage?

Yes, a bullet can ricochet off a tree and cause injury or damage. When a bullet hits a hard surface like a tree, it can bounce off at an unpredictable angle, potentially hitting a person or object nearby. It is important to always be cautious and aware of your surroundings when shooting firearms outdoors.