Editing Gunpowder (section)

== Effect ==
Gunpowder is a [[Explosive#Low|low explosive]]: it does not [[detonation|detonate]], but rather [[Deflagration|deflagrates]] (burns quickly). This is an advantage in a propellant device, where one does not desire a shock that would shatter the gun and potentially harm the operator; however, it is a drawback when an explosion is desired. In that case, the propellant (and most importantly, gases produced by its burning) must be confined. Since it contains its own oxidizer and additionally burns faster under pressure, its combustion is capable of bursting containers such as a shell, grenade, or improvised "[[pipe bomb]]" or "pressure cooker" casings to form [[fragmentation (weaponry)|shrapnel]].

In quarrying, high explosives are generally preferred for shattering rock. However, because of its low [[brisance]], gunpowder causes fewer fractures and results in more usable stone compared to other explosives, making it useful for blasting [[slate]], which is fragile,<ref name="Pid">{{cite journal |last=Piddock |first=Susan |date=2007 |title=Slate, slate, everywhere slate: The cultural landscapes of the Willunga slate quarries, South Australia |journal=Australasian Historical Archaeology |volume=25 |pages=5–18 |jstor=29544573 |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/29544573}}</ref> or monumental stone such as [[granite]] and [[marble]]. Gunpowder is well suited for [[blank round]]s, [[signal flare]]s, [[burst charge]]s, and rescue-line launches. It is also used in [[fireworks]] for lifting shells, in rockets as fuel, and in certain [[special effect]]s.

Combustion converts less than half the mass of gunpowder to gas; most of it turns into particulate matter. Some of it is ejected, wasting propelling power, fouling the air, and generally being a nuisance (giving away a soldier's position, generating fog that hinders vision, etc.). Some of it ends up as a thick layer of [[soot]] inside the barrel, where it also is a nuisance for subsequent shots, and a cause of jamming an automatic weapon. Moreover, this residue is [[hygroscopic]], and with the addition of moisture absorbed from the air forms a [[corrosive substance]]. The soot contains [[potassium oxide]] or [[sodium oxide]] that turns into [[potassium hydroxide]], or [[sodium hydroxide]], which corrodes [[wrought iron]] or [[steel]] gun barrels. Gunpowder arms therefore require thorough and regular cleaning to remove the residue.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rspa.1952.0127|last1=Blackwood|first1=J.D.|last2=Bowden|first2=F.P.|date=January 7, 1952|journal= Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A. Mathematical and Physical Sciences|title=The initiation, burning and thermal decomposition of gunpowder|volume=213 |issue=1114 |pages=285–310|doi=10.1098/rspa.1952.0127 |bibcode=1952RSPSA.213..285B |s2cid=55581169 |accessdate=June 8, 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026142939/https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rspa.1952.0127|archive-date=October 26, 2019}}</ref>

Gunpowder loads can be used in modern firearms as long as they are not [[Gas-operated reloading|gas-operated]].{{Refn|group=Footnote|name=first|Loading black powder cartridges into most gas-operated firearms causes failure to cycle. However, some gas-operated guns that use cartridges such as .45 ACP, 9×19mm, and even 7.62×39mm can cycle somewhat properly depending on the firearm model, cartridge specifications, and powder loads (albeit with heavy fouling).<ref>[https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/93k0R4YnPqQ Black Powder 9mm Test]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210616082333/https://www.guns.com/news/2013/08/20/cowboy-action-black-powder-glock-video Guns.com- Cowboy Action Black Powder Glock 21]</ref><ref>[https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/KfzQ4uKvE7c hickok45- Glock Torture Test with Black Powder]</ref><ref>[https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/LopUNq6lF2U AK 47 with blackpowder loads]</ref><ref>[https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/Ln6poK8zVnc SKS blackpowder loads]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20230608173757/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo-YdRIfxS8 1911 Black Powder 45ACP Torture Test]</ref>}} The most compatible modern guns are smoothbore-barreled shotguns that are [[recoil operation|long-recoil operated]] with [[Chrome plating|chrome-plated]] essential parts such as barrels and bores.  Such guns have minimal fouling and corrosion and are easier to clean.<ref>{{cite AV media|date=July 18, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEP39EovJ0k|title=Would a Modern Automatic Gun Work With Black Powder?|publisher=Backyard Ballistics|via=[[YouTube]]|access-date=June 7, 2023|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/QEP39EovJ0k|archive-date=7 June 2023|url-status=live|author=Carlo Frezzoti}}</ref>