<P> Recoil ( often called knockback , kickback or simply kick ) is the backward movement of a gun when it is discharged . In technical terms , the recoil momentum acquired by the gun exactly balances the forward momentum of the projectile and exhaust gases ( ejecta ) , according to Newton 's third law , known as conservation of momentum . In hand - held small arms , the recoil momentum is transferred to the ground through the body of the shooter ; while in heavier guns such as mounted machine guns or cannons , recoil momentum is transferred to the ground through the mount . </P>
<P> Recoil ( often called knockback , kickback or simply kick ) is the backward movement of a gun when it is discharged . In technical terms , the recoil momentum acquired by the gun exactly balances the forward momentum of the projectile and exhaust gases ( ejecta ) , according to Newton 's third law , known as conservation of momentum . In hand - held small arms , the recoil momentum is transferred to the ground through the body of the shooter ; while in heavier guns such as mounted machine guns or cannons , recoil momentum is transferred to the ground through the mount . </P>
what 's it called when a gun kicks back
what 's it called when a gun kicks back
Recoil ( often called knockback , kickback or simply kick )
Recoil ( often called knockback , kickback or simply kick )