The resistance of the air, which varies as the square of the velocity of the shot.
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4. With balls of different diameters, and equal velocities, to what is the resistance of the air proportional?
Their surfaces, or the squares of their diameters.
5. Would the velocity of the shot be increased by lengthening the gun?
Only up to a certain point; in a proportion which is nearly the mean ratio between the square and cube roots of the length of the bore. It is found that the velocity given by long guns is reduced to an equality with that of short guns within a short distance from the muzzle when fired with similar charges.
6. Would the velocity of a shot be increased by entirely preventing the recoil, or by adding greatly to the weight of the gun?
In neither case would any sensible effect be produced on the velocity.
7. Would the velocity of the shot be increased by using a larger charge of powder?
Only to a certain point, peculiar to each gun; by further increasing the charge the velocity would be gradually diminished; yet the recoil is always increased by an increase of charge.