10KN03 + 8C + 3S 2K

2CO

3 + 3K

2SO

4 + 6CO

2 + 5N

2

THE CHEMISTRY OF GUNPOWDER

75% 15% 10%CharcoalPotassium Nitrate Sulfur

CKNO3

S

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A SIMPLIFIED EQUATION FOR THE BURNING OF BLACK POWDER

CHARCOALConsists of broken down cellulose and provides carbon and other fuel for the reaction.

SALTPETRESaltpetre is a common name for potassium nitrate. It supplies oxygen for the combustion reaction.

SULFURSulfur, also referred to as brimstone, lowers the ignition temperature required to start the reaction.Products of Combustion

56% 43% 1%SOLIDPRODUCTS

GASEOUSPRODUCTS WATER

ENERGY DENSITY3 MEGAJOULES PER KG