Gunpowder
Gunpowder
Gunpowder (pronunciation: /ˈɡʌnˌpaʊdər/), also known as black powder to distinguish it from modern smokeless powder, is the earliest known chemical explosive.
Etymology
The term "gunpowder" comes from the Middle English word "gun", meaning a large weapon, and "powder", from the Old French "poudre", meaning to pound or grind.
Composition
Gunpowder consists of a mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate (saltpeter). The sulfur and charcoal act as fuels while the saltpeter is an oxidizer.
History
Gunpowder was invented in 9th-century China and spread throughout most parts of Eurasia by the end of the 13th century. Originally developed by alchemists for medicinal purposes, gunpowder was first used for warfare around 904 AD.
Uses
Besides its use in firearms and artillery, gunpowder has been used for various purposes such as blasting in quarrying, mining, and road building, in fireworks for entertainment, and in signals and fuses in safety devices.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gunpowder
- Wikipedia's article - Gunpowder
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