Gunpowder is a low explosive: it does not detonate, but rather deflagrates (burns quickly). This is an advantage in a propellant device, where … 展开

Gunpowder is a granular mixture of:
• a nitrate, typically potassium nitrate (KNO3), which supplies oxygen for the reaction;
• charcoal, … 展开

Serpentine
The original dry-compounded powder used in 15th-century Europe was known as "Serpentine", either a reference to Satan or to a common artillery piece that used it. The ingredients were ground together with a mortar … 展开

A simple, commonly cited, chemical equation for the combustion of gunpowder is:
2 KNO3 + S + 3 C → K2S … 展开

The United Nations Model Regulations on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods and national transportation authorities, such as 展开

China
The first confirmed reference to what can be considered gunpowder in China occurred in the 9th century AD during the Tang dynasty, … 展开

For the most powerful black powder, meal powder, a wood charcoal is used. The best wood for the purpose is Pacific willow, but others such as alder or buckthorn can be used. In Great … 展开