Final answer:
Gunpowder is made of sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal, with sulfur acting as a stabilizer. Developed in China, gunpowder's explosive properties have been harnessed for centuries in warfare, leading to advancements in weaponry such as cannons and rifles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The substances used in the production of gunpowder are sulfur, saltpeter (potassium nitrate), and charcoal. Gunpowder was developed by the Chinese around the ninth century AD and is known for its explosive properties when ignited. The explosive reaction of gunpowder occurs when charcoal is converted into carbon dioxide, with potassium nitrate supplying the extra oxygen needed for rapid combustion. Sulfur acts as a stabilizer in the mixture, despite gunpowder being highly explosive.
Throughout history, gunpowder has played a crucial role in warfare, notably seen in its first recorded use in battle in China in 919. It later spread westward with the advancement of technology, notably influencing military tactics with the development of cannons and handguns. The art of gunpowder making and its applications evolved over the centuries, though the fundamental ingredients remained the same.