Which component in the casing of a bullet is responsible for detonating the gunpowder?

The component responsible for detonating the gunpowder in a bullet's casing is the centerfire primer. This small device contains a sensitive explosive material that ignites when struck by the firing pin of a firearm. When the primer is activated, it produces a flame that ignites the gunpowder contained in the casing, resulting in an explosion that propels the projectile out of the barrel.

The other components serve different roles: the projectile is the actual bullet that is propelled by the explosion; the casing is the container that holds the gunpowder and primer; and gunpowder is the propellant itself, which is ignited as a result of the primer's function. Understanding this chain of events is crucial for comprehending how firearms operate.