What is ballistics concerned with in crime scene investigations?

Ballistics is primarily concerned with the study of firearms and projectiles, making it a crucial area of focus in crime scene investigations, especially in cases involving gun-related incidents. This field encompasses various aspects, including the analysis of how projectiles are propelled from firearms, the identification of specific weapons used in crimes, and the examination of bullet trajectories, which can offer valuable insights into the events that transpired at the crime scene.

Understanding ballistics allows investigators to connect the bullets recovered from a scene with specific firearms, aiding in reconstructing crime scenarios. This can help determine the positions of the shooter and victim, the number of shots fired, and potentially identify the suspect by linking them to the weapon used.

Other areas mentioned in the options do not pertain to ballistics. For instance, the study of explosions is a different domain known as explosive analysis, which focuses on materials that cause explosions rather than the projectiles from firearms. Financial crimes pertain to illegal financial activities and do not relate to physical evidence from firearms, while forensic psychology involves understanding criminal behavior and mental states rather than the mechanics of weapons. Hence, the focus of ballistics directly aligns with the examination of firearms and their projectiles, reinforcing why this is the correct choice.