What is the role of sulfur in black powder?

  • Thread starter Thread starter iknownth
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Science
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Sulfur plays a critical role in the combustion of black powder, specifically in the reaction 2 KNO3 (aq) + C (s) + S (s) -> K2S (s) + N2 (g) + 3 CO2 (g). It accelerates the reaction rate, functioning similarly to a catalyst, although it is consumed in the process. The oxidation states of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur change significantly during this reaction, indicating the complex chemical interactions involved. Potassium nitrate, a key component, is readily available and can be produced by neutralizing nitric acid with potassium hydroxide.

PREREQUISITES
  • Chemical reaction equations
  • Oxidation states in chemical reactions
  • Properties of potassium nitrate
  • Basic principles of combustion and catalysts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the role of sulfur in other chemical reactions
  • Explore the production methods of potassium nitrate
  • Investigate the chemistry of colored metal oxides in fireworks
  • Learn about the plasma state of metals during combustion
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, pyrotechnics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the chemical processes behind black powder and fireworks.

iknownth
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
1. A simple equation for the reaction:
2 KNO3 (aq) + C (s) + S (s) -> K2S (s) + N2 (g) + 3 CO2 (g)

The oxidation number of carbon increases from 0 to +4. The oxidation number of nitrogen decreases from +5 to 0. The oxidation number of sulphur decreases from 0 to -2.
Are these correct?

2. "Sulfur is used to speed up the reaction and acts like a catalyst in that it increases the rate of reaction. However, unlike a catalyst, it is used up in the reaction."
I understand that transition metals are often used as catalysts but why can sulphur act like a catalyst?

3. Potassium Nitrate is a naturally occurring compound. Can we find them easily? Do we often produce it by neutralizing nitric acid with potassium hydroxide?

4. When metals are burnt, coloured metal oxides are formed. Is this the only reason for the beautiful colours of fireworks? When metals are burnt under high temperature, will they turn to plasma state? If so, should the metal ions be responsible for the colours and sparks?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Sorry, it should be "4. When metals are burnt, metal oxides(some coloured) are formed".
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
7K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
24K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K