Gunpowder

Author: Li Xiaohong
Written by: Ji Wei
Illustrated by:
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The gunpowder we refer to generally refers to the earliest "black gunpowder." It is a substance that can be ignited by sparks or flame-igniting devices and can undergo rapid and regular combustion without the participation of external oxidizing agents. Due to the large amount of gas and heat released during combustion, gunpowder is often used as the energy source for weapon. In military applications, gunpowder is also known as "propellant." The invention of gunpowder is closely related to alchemy. Ancient alchemists did not create the "immortal elixir" for the emperor, but they accidentally invented gunpowder. Later, gunpowder sparked the strong interest of ancient Chinese military strategists. Through relentless efforts, they finally mixed nitre, sulfur, and charcoal in a certain proportion to create the world's earliest gunpowder. Gunpowder became one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China.