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Gunpowder burns but it burns very quickly. It's very reactive with oxygen. When enough heat is applied, either externally or from itself, the reaction progresses very rapidly and the gunpowder "explodes."
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Agree in general. Gunpowder consists of a fuel and an oxidizer mixed together- it does not need additional oxygen. The original gunpowder was black powder- a "low" explosive- modern gunpowder is based on nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin- "High" explosives. When triggered by heat, the fuel and oxidizer combine rapidly, producing large quantities of hot, expanding gas. This gas pushes the bullet out of the barrel.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoIn its simplest form, sulphur, charcoal and potassium nitrate, the sulphur and charcoal combine and burn rapidly, using oxygen released from the potassium nitrate. The resulting expanding gases and solids are what propel the projectile.
Gunpowder is classed as a "low explosive," that is, the shock wave produced from combustion is subsonic.
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What was gunpowder supposed to be?
instead of bullets they had gunpowder.
How does gun powder work?
Gunpowder burns but it burns very quickly. It's very reactive with oxygen. When enough heat is applied, either externally or from itself, the reaction progresses very rapidly and the gunpowder "explodes."
How did the ancient Chinese rockets work?
The gunpowder tubes were filled with gunpowder, with one end closed and the other end open. A small hole was left for the blasting fuse. When ignited, the gunpowder would burn inside the tube, producing a large amount of gas, which would produce enormous forward propulsion.
Where were the barrels of gunpowder stored during the gunpowder plot?
The gunpowder was stored in places like the Tower of London.
What is gunpowder made of?
Traditional gunpowder (also commonly called black powder) is made of carbon, sulphur and potassium nitrate (saltpeter), most recently and commonly in the ratio 15:10:75 respectively. However, gunpowder ceased to be a common propellant for firearms early in the 20th century. Modern propellants are commonly known as smokeless powders rather than gunpowder, and are based on a combination of nitroglycerin, nitocellulose,and filler materials .
How did civil war cannons work?
gunpowder
How long is gunpowder good for is there a expiration date?
gunpowder never expires but it doesn't work if it's wet
What process is involved for gunpowder to work?
The explosion of gunpowder is a form of what chemists refer to as a redox (reduction/oxidation) reaction.
What are some modern examples of Gunpowder?
to work the gun
What are Some modern day examples of gunpowder?
to work the gun
How display fireworks work?
fireworks are usually made in china, (as a lot of things are) and they are basically gunpowder, sulfate, charcoal, nitrate, fuses, and colors (to make them appear colorful) so when they are lit, the fuse burns all the way down, hits the gunpowder, and the force blows it up into the air (also causing it to, more or less, explode into colors)
What is the collective noun of gunpowder?
There is no specific collective noun for gunpowder, in which case, you use an appropriate noun suited to the situation a pound of gunpowder, a flask of gunpowder, a box of gunpowder, etc.
Why should gunpowder be illegal?
Gunpowder can be used to make a bomb. So unless you are licensed to be in possession of gunpowder, owning gunpowder is illegal.
What happens when you smash gunpowder with a hammer?
Nothing.. Gunpowder does not impact-detonate, which is why bullets have a "primer" that will ignite the gunpowder when it is struck. Nothing.. Gunpowder does not impact-detonate, which is why bullets have a "primer" that will ignite the gunpowder when it is struck.
What was gunpowder supposed to be?
instead of bullets they had gunpowder.
What is an ingredient of gunpowder?
an ingredient in gunpowder is sulphur
How does gun powder work?
Gunpowder burns but it burns very quickly. It's very reactive with oxygen. When enough heat is applied, either externally or from itself, the reaction progresses very rapidly and the gunpowder "explodes."
