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Gun powder by its self does nothing ... gun power is an incendiary meaning it burns at a high temperature... making it good to project or propel object at a great distance...
Gunpowder is what is known as a "low" explosive. Gunpowder, when ignited by flame or friction (i.e. it is heat in some form that cause gunpowder to ignite), burns rapidly. This rapid burning of the gunpowder grains results in a significant amount of gas being produced. This hot gas expands quickly, producing a wave of force.
In a confined space, this gas will attempt to push against the walls of whatever is confining it. It thus makes for an excellent propellant - gunpowder produces a steadily increasing amount of gas over a relatively long time period (hundreds of milliseconds), allowing it to slowly accelerate a projectile out of a barrel.
In comparison "high" explosives (such as TNT) don't actually burn in the sense of combining with oxygen in a typical oxidation process. Rather, they detonate, and producing a supersonic shock wave of force, and it is this wave which exerts extreme force on objects. Compared to gunpowder, the shock wave from a high explosive is produced about a 10 times faster than the burning gases, and is well over 10 times more forceful. High explosives generally make very poor propellants, since this large force acts over too short a time frame to push a projectile out of a tube - rather, using a high explosive substance as a propellant will most likely burst the barrel or destroy the projectile.
What else can I help you with?
What was gunpowder supposed to be?
instead of bullets they had gunpowder.
Where were the barrels of gunpowder stored during the gunpowder plot?
The gunpowder was stored in places like the Tower of London.
How did gunpowder modernize warfare?
check this sight http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunpowder
Did the middle colonies import from England( grain gunpowder lumber slaves?
gunpowder
When was Gunpowder Empire created?
Gunpowder Empire was created on 2003-12-05.
What is an ingredient of gunpowder?
an ingredient in gunpowder is sulphur
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.
Is gunpowder magnetic?
No, gunpowder is not magnetic.
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 long has gunpowder been in use?
Gunpowder was invented by the Ancient Chinese. Gunpowder came to Europe in the 1260s.
Where were the barrels of gunpowder stored during the gunpowder plot?
The gunpowder was stored in places like the Tower of London.
Inventor of gunpowder?
Chinese alchemists invented gunpowder.
Did the Romans use gunpowder?
Ancient Romans did not use gunpowder. Gunpowder was invented by China around the middle ages.
Where you can find gunpowder?
Go to the Great Walls, and to the very right. There's the gunpowder.
What did the Chinese use gunpowder for?
They used gunpowder for fireworks and weapons.
