Which method is often used to analyze bullets in forensic science?

Striation analysis is a critical forensic technique utilized to examine bullets. This method focuses on the unique markings left on a bullet as it is fired through a gun barrel. Each firearm has a distinct set of grooves and lands that impart specific striations on the bullet, which can be compared to those of a suspected gun. By analyzing these markings, forensic experts can link a bullet found at a crime scene to a specific firearm, providing significant evidence in criminal investigations.

In contrast, colorimetric tests are typically used for analyzing substances based on color changes, which is less common for bullet analysis. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are often used in the analysis of gunshot residues or other substances, rather than directly analyzing the striations on bullets themselves. These methods focus on chemical composition rather than the physical characteristics that are pivotal in matching bullets to firearms.