What natural force pulls a bullet down off its original path as it travels?

Gravity is the force that pulls a bullet down off its original path as it travels through the air. When a bullet is fired, it travels in a straight line toward its target due to its initial velocity. However, from the moment it leaves the barrel, gravity begins to exert its influence, affecting the trajectory of the bullet.

As the bullet ascends, gravity pulls it downward, causing it to follow a parabolic path rather than a straight line. This downward pull results in a drop in the bullet's elevation relative to the original line of sight to the target. Understanding the effect of gravity is crucial for shooters, especially at longer distances, as they must account for this vertical drop when aiming.

In contrast, while friction and wind can influence a bullet's trajectory, they are not the primary natural force acting on it as gravity is. Friction primarily acts against the bullet when it is in the barrel and as it travels through the air, while wind can divert its path sideways but does not directly affect the vertical drop caused by gravity. Aerodynamics pertains more to how the shape of the bullet affects its travel through the air rather than the natural pull affecting its descent.