Main components of gunpowder

This powder consists of sulfur, saltpeter and charcoal.

Nitrate is mainly composed of potassium nitrate. Nitrate and plant ash can be used as raw materials for preparing potassium nitrate. Nitrate generally exists in toilets, pigs, cowsheds and the ground that is not easily washed by rain. Nitrate itself contains potassium nitrate. Finally, the solubility difference of various salts can be used to control the temperature and concentration, so that potassium nitrate can be crystallized from the mixed solution.

Gunpowder, also known as black powder, is a mechanical mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulfur. It can burn quickly and regularly under the action of appropriate external energy, and at the same time produce a large number of high-temperature gases. Militarily, it is mainly used as propellant for bullets and shells, rockets and missiles and other driving devices. It is an important part of ammunition. Gunpowder is one of the four great inventions in China, and it has also changed the history of human wars.

The origin of gunpowder

Medicine was invented by Han people in China during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and it has been more than 1000 years. The study of gunpowder began with the ancient Taoist alchemy. The ancients refined Dan medicine to live forever. The purpose and motive of alchemy are ridiculous, but its experimental method still has some merits, which eventually led to the invention of gunpowder.

Engles spoke highly of China's pioneering role in inventing gunpowder: there is no doubt that gunpowder was passed from China to Arabs through India, and Arabs passed to Europe together with gunpowder weapons through Spain. The invention of gunpowder greatly promoted the process of historical development and was one of the important pillars of the European Renaissance. Although the inventors of gunpowder have mastered certain chemical methods, their direction is to seek the medicine of immortality, so the invention of gunpowder has certain contingency.