Bows (archery)

A bow is a simple yet effective tool used to shoot arrows by applying tension through a flexed arc. Comprising a curved piece of flexible material (like wood, fiberglass, or carbon), a grip in the center, and string connecting the ends, the archer pulls the string back, storing potential energy. Releasing the string propels the arrow forward at high speed. Bows vary in design—longbows, recurve, compound—each optimized for different styles and levels of precision. They have been used historically for hunting and warfare and continue today in sport and recreation, combining skill, focus, and physical coordination.