Which one among the following is used in making gunpowder ?

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Magnesium sulphate

Potassium nitrate

Sodium stearate

Calcium sulphate

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2015

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The correct answer is Potassium nitrate. Potassium nitrate (KNO₃) is a key component of traditional black powder or gunpowder.

Gunpowder is typically a mixture of potassium nitrate (oxidizer), charcoal (fuel), and sulfur (fuel/stabilizer). Potassium nitrate serves as the oxidizer, providing oxygen for the rapid combustion of the fuel components.

Magnesium sulphate (Epsom salt) is used in medicine and baths. Sodium stearate is a major component of soap. Calcium sulphate (gypsum) is used in plaster and cement. None of these are components of traditional gunpowder.

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