Gunpowder

= = = Gunpowder  = = = = Inventor and How and Why it was invented. = === Gunpowder was invented by many ancient Chinese alchemists. It was mixed together with saltpepper, sulfur, and charcoal. Gunpowder was invented because they needed an "explosive propellent" to make many items today such as fireworks, bullets, and rockets. The first batch of gunpowder didn't have enough saltpepper for it to propell. They tried again and ended putting enough saltpepper in the gunpowder to utilize its explosive effects. === = = = = = = = = = When it was invented and Where. = === Gunpowder was invented more than about 3,000 years ago. Gunpowder was invented during the 9th century. It was invented in China in a lab where alchemists were trying to find components to make artificial gold. ===

= How They used it and how it is used today. = === The most recognizable use to which early gunpowder was put was in fireworks. The earliest accounts of fireworks dates 250 BCE when it is recorded that the alchemist Ma Jun filled bamboo tubes with an explosive substance. When the stalks were lighted, they would produce a violent and exciting explosion. By 1232 CE, Chinese were using explosive missiles, or war rockets, for military purposes. We use gunpowder in almost the exact same way. We use gunpowder in fireworks, rockets, and explosives. === = = = How it works. = === The gunpowder inside of the machine you are using burns, but burns very quickly. When enough heat is applied in the machine, it explodes propelling whatever needs to be propelled. Gunpowder reacts very bad to oxygen. ===