Fort Meigs' STEM in the Park Take-Home Q & A
Question
Gunpowder is made up of 75% charcoal, 15% sulfur, and 10% saltpeter (potassium nitrate). When a spark or flame touches the gunpowder, in what order do the three ingredients ignite? At approximately what temperature (°F) does sulfur ignite?
Answer
"Saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal rely on a unique and intricate teamwork to bring about [the explosion]. Sulfur reacts first to the introduction of... a spark or flame. The yellow mineral ignites at a relatively low temperature, 261°C (approximately 500°F). Its burning generates additional heat that ignites the charcoal and shatters the saltpeter, releasing its store of oxygen. This pure oxygen hurries the ignition of more fuel. Charcoal burns at a higher temperature than sulfur, emitting abundant thermal energy to accelerate the reaction further."
"Any burning substance generates a quantity of gases that take up much more space than the fuel itself. When gunpowder ignites, these gases are created in an instant and the heat of the reaction makes them expand enormously. This rapid generation of hot gas produces [the force to send projectiles, like musket balls and cannonballs, out of a gun barrel.]"
This information was taken directly from
Gunpowder: A History of the Explosive that Changed the World, by Jack Kelly.
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