GASES FROM GUN-COTTON. 



289 



If we disregard it, the following formulae express these facts : 



- 



Density 0-01 

 0-023 

 0-21 

 0-2 



33CO + 15C0 2 + 8H 2 + 21H 2 + 11N 2 

 3000 + 18C0 2 + 11H 2 + 18H 2 + 11N 2 

 2700 + 21C0 2 + 14H 2 + 15H 2 + 11N 2 

 2600 + 22C0 2 + 15H 2 + 14H 2 + 11N 2 



Thus, with low densities of charge, the reaction produces 

 volumes of carbonic oxide, carbonic acid, and hydrogen, which 

 are represented, to all intents, by the simple ratio, 4, 2, 1, 

 whereas, under greater densities, the quantities produced 

 approximate more and more clearly to the limit 



24CO + 24C0 2 + 17H 2 + 12H 2 + UN,. 



We may assume that the last formula fairly represents the 

 mode of decomposition realised under ordinary conditions of 

 practice in which gun-cotton, with great densities of charge, is 

 used. 



It will be observed that neither nitric oxide nor any other 

 nitrous vapours are produced in the explosive decomposition of 

 gun-cotton in a closed vessel. 



7. It is otherwise when the gun-cotton is ignited by means 

 of a red-hot wire, and the gases are allowed to escape freely, 

 under a pressure very nearly equal to that of the atmosphere, 

 so as to prevent their being heated. Under these conditions, 

 which are those of a miss-fire, the above-mentioned writers 

 obtained per 100 vols. 



K) 24-7 



See table, p. 33. 



41-9 



18-4 



7-9 



5-8 



1-3 



This again shows the multiplicity of decomposition that the 

 same explosive substance can undergo (see p. 7). 



u 



