nsTeam1RO, nsTeam1RW, nsTeam1_talkRO, nsTeam1_talkRW
11,789
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
mLine 1:
Line 1: − +
wikify
'''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 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; the first high explosives were TNT and dynamite, invented 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; the first high explosives were TNT and dynamite, invented in the 1860s.