Answer :
Final answer:
A properly loaded bullet should follow a path down the barrel towards the target. Gun sights are calibrated for a certain distance; hence, aiming at a target beyond that range without adjustment makes the bullet strike lower. Higher muzzle velocity means the bullet travels farther before dropping, while air resistance reduces the bullet's range and increase its drop. so the correct option is (a) Down the barrel and into the target.
Explanation:
When a muzzleloader is properly loaded, the bullet and path should be down the barrel, directed towards the intended target. In relation to the scenario provided, gun sights being calibrated for a specific range means that if a gun is sighted to hit a target 100 m away and fired at a target 150 m away without adjusting the aim, the bullet will hit lower than the aiming point. This is due to the effect of gravity pulling down on the bullet over the extended distance.
The time of flight for the bullet to reach the farther target will be longer, hence gravity has more time to act on the bullet, making it drop further before it strikes the target. The muzzle velocity of 275 m/s is an initial condition for this particular calculation. If the muzzle velocity were higher, the bullet would travel farther before falling to the ground, thus it would hit closer to the intended aim point at 150 m. On the other hand, air resistance slows down the bullet, reducing its range and increasing the amount by which it drops.