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'''Gunpowder''' is a major invention that has been essential for warfare for five or more centuries. It is a chemical mixture which burns extremely rapidly, and was used as a propellant in early [[small arms]] and [[cannon]]s. Experiments to improve the effectiveness and safety were some of the first true [[chemistry]]. It is a mixture of charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter (potassium nitrate), ground together. The optimal mixture is 75% saltpeter, 11.5% sulfur, and 13.5% charcoal. Gunpowder is still used today in weapons, [[fireworks]], and [[special effects]].
'''Gunpowder''' is a major invention that has been essential for warfare for five or more centuries. It is a chemical mixture which burns extremely rapidly, and was used as a propellant in early [[small arms]] and [[cannon]]s. Experiments to improve the effectiveness and safety were some of the first true [[chemistry]]. It is a mixture of charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter (potassium nitrate), ground together. The optimal mixture is 75% saltpeter, 11.5% sulfur, and 13.5% charcoal. Gunpowder is still used today in weapons, [[fireworks]], and [[special effects]].
Gunpowder is a low explosive because it burns rapidly without outside air. It burns rapidlly and gives off large volumes of gas. In a confined space (as the barrel of a gun) the gases build up enough pressure to push a bullet or shell out the muzzle at high velocity. In firecrackers it is completely enclosed and the gases will cause a small explosion, but gunpowder does not detonate like high explosive, like TNT and dynamite, which were first inventedf in the 1860s.
Gunpowder is a low explosive because it burns rapidly without outside air. It gives off large volumes of gas. In a confined space (as the barrel of a gun) the gases build up enough pressure to push a bullet or shell out the muzzle at high velocity. In firecrackers it is completely enclosed and the gases will cause a small explosion, but gunpowder does not detonate like high explosives; TNT and dynamite were first invented in the 1860s.
==History==
==History==