Question

How to separate the components of a gun powder

Answer 1

Sulphur, charcoal and potassium nitrate are the constituents of gunpowder. These can be separated as follows:

Step 1: Dissolve the gunpowder in water. Only potassium nitrate will dissolve.

Step2: Filter the solution. Filterate is the solution of potassium nitrate and residue contains sulphur and charcoal.

Step3: Evaporate the filterate to vapourize water. Potassium nitrate will be left behind and is thus separated.

Step4: Dissolve the residue in carbondisulphide which will dissolve sulphur but not charcoal. Filter the solution.

Step5: Charcoal is separated as the residue.

Step6: Evaporate the filterate to vapourize carbondisulphide. Crystals of sulphur are left behind.