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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.

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14y ago
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15y ago

In 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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Q: How does gunpowder work?
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How long is gunpowder good for is there a expiration date?

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What process is involved for gunpowder to work?

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What are some modern examples of Gunpowder?

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What are Some modern day examples of gunpowder?

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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 an ingredient of gunpowder?

One ingredient of gunpowder is sulfur.


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.


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."