Table of Contents
How were things done before dynamite?
Before dynamite, the ability to break rock was limited to black powder explosives, which weren’t very strong and required a lot of material. The invention of nitroglycerin in 1846 allowed for stronger and larger explosions, however it was extremely unstable and less safe than black powder.
What was the original use for dynamite?
However, its use as a tool of war was also obvious. Dynamite was first used in a bomb in 1870, during the Franco-German war and it soon became widespread in canons in the Spanish-American war. Nobel was not ignorant of these uses.
What was the first explosives?
The first chemical explosive was gunpowder, or black powder, a mixture of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate (or saltpeter). The Chinese invented it approximately 1,000 years ago. For hundreds of years, gunpowder was used mainly to create fireworks.
What was dynamite replaced by?
Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO) This combination of a nitrogen fertilizer and fuel oil has largely replaced dynamite in medium and large borehole blasting.
What happens if dynamite gets wet?
Water causes the nitroglycerin to leak away. The nitroglycerin can build up, and explode unexpectedly. For this reason, the formulation was changed. Instead of diatomaceous earth, gelignite was used to hold the nitroglycerin.
How much money did Nobel leave?
To widespread astonishment, Nobel’s last will specified that his fortune be used to create a series of prizes for those who confer the “greatest benefit on mankind” in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. Nobel bequeathed 94\% of his total assets, 31 million SEK (c.
What does mean XD?
1. an expression used in text messages or e-mails signaling happiness or laughter. XD is an emoticon. X represents closed eyes while D stands for an open mouth.
How is Dynamite made?
Dynamite was invented by Swedish chemist and engineer Alfred Nobel in the late 19th century as a safe way of using nitroglycerin as a demolition agent. Nobel stabilized nitroglycerin by mixing it with diatomaceous earth, the fossilized shells of diatoms. Dynamite has to be detonated using a blasting cap.
Why was gunpowder used for explosives before Dynamite?
Before the invention of dynamite, gunpowder was used for explosives. It wasn’t a very strong material so it required a lot f the powder to get a big blast. Dynamite doesn’t need a lot of material to make a big blast. Gunpowder is also dangerous to transport. Also it produces a lot smoke when it explodes making visibility bad.
How is nitroglycerin stabilised in Dynamite?
Alfred Nobel discovered a method of stabilizing nitroglycerin by mixing it with absorbent substances such as diatomaceous earth and silicates. In modern dynamite, much of the nitroglycerin content is replaced with ammonium nitrate and gelatin.
What is the difference between Nobel dynamite and military dynamite?
“Military dynamite” is a dynamite substitute, formulated without nitroglycerin. It contains 75\% RDX, 15\% TNT, 5\% SAE 10 motor oil, and 5\% cornstarch, but is much safer to store and handle for long periods than Nobel’s dynamite. Military dynamite substitutes much more stable chemicals for nitroglycerin.