Chemistry plays a vital role in everyday life even though it may not seem like it. One of these things include firearms, which exhibits chemistry throughout the whole entire process. They show chemical and physical properties ranging from the gunpowder to the actual process of firing a bullet. Gunpowder is what makes the whole reaction occur. Without the use of chemistry throughout a firearm, would make it useless and it wouldn't work. These uses of chemistry occurs so fast that you may not realize or even see it happen right in front of you. There is also a lot to do with chemistry when it comes to using firearms such as power of the bullet, force to propell the bullet, and the speed of the bullet. The purpose of this paper is to discuss all the chemical concepts that are present during firearm use.
To begin with, all matter has physical and chemical properties. Physical properties are defined as a substance changing without changing the chemical properties. The physical properties of gunpowder include the boiling point of potassium nitrate which is found in 673⁰ K and the melting point is 607⁰ K. Following ingredients inside of gunpowder (also known as black powder) are Sulfur (S), Charcoal, and Potassium nitrate …show more content…
One “catalyst” used when firing a gun, would be called Rifling. Rifling is when there are grooves inside the barrel of the gun causing the bullet/cartridges to spin clockwise or anticlockwise. This spin causes an increase in stability and accuracy. It also leaves characteristics on the cartridge itself. These markings on the bullet can be used to identify rifling and what weapon fired the bullet. Another type of catalyst used in firing weapons, is a choke, used on shotguns. A choke goes on the end of a shotgun barrel and it decreases the width of the barrel. This causes the shot not to spread and focuses the shot on the target, keeping it more accurate. (Firearms & Ballistics,
To begin with, all matter has physical and chemical properties. Physical properties are defined as a substance changing without changing the chemical properties. The physical properties of gunpowder include the boiling point of potassium nitrate which is found in 673⁰ K and the melting point is 607⁰ K. Following ingredients inside of gunpowder (also known as black powder) are Sulfur (S), Charcoal, and Potassium nitrate …show more content…
One “catalyst” used when firing a gun, would be called Rifling. Rifling is when there are grooves inside the barrel of the gun causing the bullet/cartridges to spin clockwise or anticlockwise. This spin causes an increase in stability and accuracy. It also leaves characteristics on the cartridge itself. These markings on the bullet can be used to identify rifling and what weapon fired the bullet. Another type of catalyst used in firing weapons, is a choke, used on shotguns. A choke goes on the end of a shotgun barrel and it decreases the width of the barrel. This causes the shot not to spread and focuses the shot on the target, keeping it more accurate. (Firearms & Ballistics,