2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16
S altpeter, what is it? Although the word is, in general, well-known, not everyone knows what exactly it means. S altpeter is the old name for nitrates, that is, s alts of nitric acid. There are several varieties of this substance. Depending on the connection with which nitrogen is formed, sodium, potassium and ammonium nitrate differ.
Potassium nitrate
So, potassium nitrate - what is it? The composition of this substance includes nitrogen (N-NO3) in the amount of 13% and potassium (K2O) in the amount of 46%. Potassium nitrate is used mainly as a fertilizer. Its use balances the balance in plant tissues, promotes the activation of photosynthesis processes, etc. This type of fertilizer can be used both for root dressings and for foliar dressings. It is excellent for vegetable crops, and for fruit trees and shrubs, as well as for flowers, etc. Potassium nitrate and explosives are made from potassium nitrate.
Sodium s altpeter
So, sodium nitrate - what is it? This substance is white crystals, which are also often used as a fertilizer. In addition, it is used in glass andsteel industry.
Another area of its use is the manufacture of rocket fuel and explosives. It cannot be stored near organic combustible substances, since the latter in this case may spontaneously ignite.
Ammoniac s altpeter
Ammonium nitrate, like the first two types, is used to make fertilizers and explosives. As a fertilizer, it is mainly used only in the first half of the season. It is suitable for almost any type of soil. One of its interesting features is that you can use it even in cold weather. Its introduction into the beds should be accompanied by abundant watering. This also applies to the two types of nitrates described above.
Thus, s altpeter, the use of which is advisable both in agriculture and in industry, is an unusually useful and necessary substance. If you wish, you can make it yourself. In this case, the composition can be used to impregnate wicks and paper in the manufacture of pyrotechnic devices or, in fact, for use as a fertilizer.
How to make s altpeter?
The easiest to manufacture is sodium, rarely found on sale. To do this, use ordinary soda (1 part). The second component can be ammonium nitrate (2 parts). It's easy to find in the store. These two substances are mixed and filled with water, which must be hot or at least warm. This action will result inthe beginning of the reaction with the release of carbon dioxide and ammonia and a gradual decrease in temperature. Then the mixture is put on fire and boiled for about two hours - until the end of the reaction. The solution is then evaporated.
In the manufacture of potassium nitrate, instead of soda, potash (potassium carbonate) is used, which can be obtained from plant ash. To do this, the ash is dissolved in water, filtered and the resulting solution evaporated.
So, now you know the answer to the question: "S altpeter - what is it?" The substance is useful and not too difficult to make at home.
