Answer :
Final answer:
The muzzle of a muzzleloader should be pointed towards the ground while loading, ensuring safety in case of accidental discharge. For the trajectory question, a larger muzzle velocity reduces bullet drop over distance, while air resistance increases it.
Explanation:
Gun Muzzle Direction While Loading a Muzzleloader and Bullet Trajectory Explanation
When loading a muzzleloader, it is critical for safety to point the muzzle towards the ground (Option A). This ensures that if an accidental discharge occurs, the bullet is directed into the ground, reducing the risk of injury or damage. It is dangerous to point the muzzle in any direction where an unintentional discharge could harm someone or something.
In regard to the trajectory problem, if a gun is sighted to hit targets at the same height as the gun and 100.0 m away, and it is aimed directly at a target 150.0 m away, the bullet will hit lower due to the increased distance and the effect of gravity. The exact drop would require calculations of the bullet's trajectory, considering the initial muzzle velocity and the time it takes the bullet to reach 150.0 meters.
A larger muzzle velocity would result in the bullet reaching the target faster and hence reducing the time gravity has to act on it, potentially reducing the drop. Meanwhile, air resistance tends to slow the bullet down, increasing the time it spends in flight, thus allowing gravity to have a greater effect and causing more drop over distance.