Gunpowder

Gunpowder or black powder is a substance which burns very rapidly and is used as a propellant in firearms, specifically either black powder or smokeless powder. As it burns, a subsonic deflagration wave is produced rather than the supersonic detonation wave which high explosives would produce. This reduces peak pressures in a gun, but makes it less suitable for shattering rock or fortifications.

External Links and References

• http://www.silk-road.com/artl/gun.shtml
• http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569333/Gunpowder.html
• http://www.alquraan.net/mus_cont/muslimc1.html