Question

The composition of gun powder is:

• A. Potassium nitrate 75%, Sulphur 15%, Charcoal 10%
• B. Nitroglycerin 30%, Nitrocellulose 65%, Mineral jelly 5%
• C. Nitrated wood Cellulose 20%, Potassium Nitrate 60%, Carbon 20%
• D. Nitroglycerin 58%, Nitrocellulose 37%, Mineral jelly 5%

Hint:

Remember the classic recipe for gunpowder: a 75/15/10 mix of Potassium Nitrate (oxidizer), Charcoal (fuel), and Sulfur (stabilizer). Don't confuse it with modern smokeless powders which are based on nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Identify the substance. Gunpowder, or black powder, is the first known chemical explosive.

Step 2: Recall its composition. It has three main ingredients:

Potassium nitrate (\(KNO_3\)): The oxidizer.
Charcoal (Carbon): The fuel.
Sulphur: A secondary fuel and stabilizer, lowering the ignition temperature.

Step 3: Check the proportions. Black powder's standard optimal composition is about 75% potassium nitrate, 15% charcoal, and 10% sulfur by weight. Option (1) has similar proportions (with swapped sulfur and charcoal percentages, a common change). Options (2) and (4) describe smokeless powders like cordite, not gunpowder. Option (3) is an incorrect mixture.