Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects trajectory?

Trajectory refers to the path that a projectile follows through space as a result of the forces acting on it. Factors that influence trajectory include the mass of the bullet, air-resistance, and gravity.

The mass of the bullet plays a significant role in trajectory because it affects how the bullet interacts with air resistance and gravity. Heavier bullets generally have a lower velocity loss over distance compared to lighter bullets, impacting their trajectory.

Air resistance is a crucial factor that affects how bullets travel after being fired. As a projectile moves through the air, it experiences drag, which can cause it to slow down and alter its trajectory. The more streamlined a bullet is, the less air resistance it will encounter.

Gravity is a constant force acting on all projectiles. It pulls objects toward the Earth, and its influence means that every bullet will drop over time as it travels, which must be accounted for when aiming.

The caliber of the bullet, which refers to its diameter, does not directly influence the trajectory in the same way as the other factors. While it can affect factors like air resistance and terminal ballistics (the behavior of a bullet upon impact), the caliber itself does not determine the path of the projectile like mass, air resistance, and gravity do. Therefore, it