DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL BANGALORE NORTH

CHEMISTRY INVESTIGATORY
PROJECT
(2023-2024)
ON

Study on how a smoke bomb is

made.
By
Sriharsha

CLASS: XI
ROLL
NO:19
 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the chemistry project
“Preparing a Smoke Bomb.” is submitted by
“Sriharsha” of class XI - ‘A’ appearing for the
chemistry practical exam of the Central
Board of Secondary Education
2020-2021

Signature of:

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

PRINCIPAL
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This project would be sorely lacking in terms of content without the help,
criticism, and hard work of many people. I would like to start by thanking
our principal, Mrs. Manju Balasubramanium, for allowing me to work on
such a fascinating project as this. I would also like to thank our chemistry
teacher Mr. Shijin N .V. for lending me his all-too-valuable time in helping
us with the project. My gratitude is not, of course, restricted to only those in
school; I would like to thank my friends, classmates, and parents for their
valuable input into this project. I would like to give special thanks to our
chemistry lab assistant, Mr. Sommana V., without whose expertise and help
in practical chemistry we would never have completed this project.
 Index
● Abstract

● Introduction

● Aim

● Theory

● Materials Required

● Procedure

● Observation
● Conclusion

● Bibliography
 Abstract

This experiment focuses on the meticulous preparation of a smoke bomb, a

pyrotechnic device designed for various applications, including military use,
self-defense, and entertainment. The synthesis involves a controlled
combination of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and sugar, highlighting the
intricate chemical reactions responsible for generating the desired smoke
effect. The meticulous procedure outlined below adheres to safety guidelines
and scientific precision.
Introduction
A smoke bomb is a firework designed to produce smoke upon ignition.
Smoke bombs are useful for military units, self-defense and pranks. The
smoke bomb was first created in 1848, by the inventor Robert Yale. He
developed 17th-century Chinese-style fireworks and later modified the
formula to produce more smoke for a longer period. Colored smoke devices
use a formula that consists of an oxidizer (typically potassium chlorate,
KClO3), a fuel (generally sugar), a moderate (such as sodium bicarbonate) to
keep the reaction from getting too hot, and a powdered organic dye for color.
The burning of this mixture evaporates the dye and forces it out of the
device, where it condenses in the atmosphere to form a "smoke" of finely
dispersed particles. Home-made smoke bombs are usually created in two
ways: The first involves cutting up celluloid material (ping pong balls)-
placing the small pieces inside an aluminum wrapping and igniting them.
This practice is widely recognized to be a health hazard. Mixing the
chemicals potassium nitrate and sugar while lightly heating the mixture until
it comes to a peanut-butter-like consistency can also provide fuel for smoke
bombs
 AIM:
● To Prepare a Smoke Bomb

Theory: Synthesis of Smoke Bomb:

The synthesis of a smoke bomb involves a carefully orchestrated
chemical reaction between potassium nitrate (KNO₃) and sugar
(C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁), resulting in the production of a visually impactful smoke
cloud. Understanding the underlying theory behind this process is
crucial for ensuring the controlled and safe creation of pyrotechnic
devices.

MATERIALS REQUIRED
● Sugar

● Potassium nitrate, KNO3, also known as

saltpeter
● Skillet or pan

● aluminum foil or a used tissue paper roll

● Fuse for easy ignition (from fireworks)

● Cotton and tape

● Burner
 PROCEDURE
1. Pour about 3 parts potassium nitrates to 2 parts sugar into the skillet
(5:3 ratio is also good). Measurements don't need to be exact, but you
want more KNO3 than sugar. For example, you can use 1-1/2 cups
KNO3 and 1 cup sugar. If you use equal amounts of KNO3 and
sugar, your smoke bomb will be harder to light and will burn more
slowly. As you approach the 5:3 KNO3: sugar ratio, you get a smoke
bomb that burns more quickly.
2. Apply low heat to the pan. Stir the mixture with a spoon using long
strokes. If you see the grains of sugar starting to melt along the edges
where you are stirring, remove the pan from the heat and reduce the
temperature before continuing.
3. you are caramelizing sugar. The mixture will melt and become a
caramel or chocolate color. Continue heating/stirring until the
ingredients are liquefied. Remove from heat.
4. Pour the liquid onto a piece of foil or into the cardboard roll. You can
pour a smaller amount onto a separate piece, to test the batch. You
can pour the smoke bomb into any shape, onto an object, or into a
mold. The shape and size will affect the burning pattern.
5. If you aren't going to clean your skillet immediately, pour hot water
into the pan to dissolve the sugar (or else it will be harder to clean).
Clean up any residue you may have spilt out of the pan unless you
want mini-smoke bombs on your stovetop.
6. While the mix is still hot, push a pen lightly down the mold and don’t
remove it. Allow the smoke bomb to cool. (about an hour) Now,
remove the pen and insert the fuse.
7. Secure the fuse with cotton
 OBSERVATION
Colored smoke bombs use a mixture of an oxidizer, a fuel, a
moderant to keep the reaction from getting too hot, and a
powdered organic dye. When the mixture is burned, the dye
evaporates and is forced out of the device, where it
condenses in the atmosphere to form a cloud of fine particles,
the smoke. To Prepare a Smoke Bomb Other smoke bomb
compositions produce different products, but the principle is
the same: a solid is produced and dispersed into the air,
creating a smoke that scatters and blocks light. The sugar
will be oxidized to carbon dioxide and water. The nitrogen in
the potassium nitrate will be reduced to nitrogen gas. The
potassium will end up as potassium carbonate (the carbon
coming from the CO2 from the sugar). Small amounts of
other products will be formed, of course, but these are the
only important ones.
 RESULTS:
The chemical reaction resulting from the combustion of the smoke bomb
composition is expressed by the following equation:

48 KNO3 + 5 C12H22O11---> 24 K2CO3 + 24 N2 +

36 CO2 + 55 H2O

Potassium Carbonate (K2CO3):

The synthesis yields potassium carbonate as a prominent product. This
compound is formed through the combination of potassium ions from
potassium nitrate and carbon dioxide generated during the combustion of
sugar. Potassium carbonate contributes to the overall chemical makeup of the
smoke produced.

Nitrogen Gas (N2):

The appearance of nitrogen gas is a significant outcome, showcasing the
reduction of nitrogen present in potassium nitrate. The release of nitrogen
gas adds to the expansion of the smoke, creating a more voluminous and
visually impactful effect.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2):

The burning of sugar contributes to the production of carbon dioxide. This
gaseous product further enhances the density and persistence of the smoke
cloud. The controlled release of carbon dioxide ensures the stability of the
pyrotechnic effect.

Water (H2O):
The synthesis also results in the formation of water molecules. This is an
expected outcome given the presence of hydrogen in sugar and oxygen in
both sugar and potassium nitrate. The presence of water vapor contributes to
the overall visual appearance of the smoke.

The comprehensive understanding of these chemical reactions provides

insights into the constituents of the smoke produced, emphasizing the role of
each component in creating a visually captivating and controlled pyrotechnic
effect. The meticulous balance of these reactions ensures not only the
effectiveness of the smoke bomb but also its safety and reliability for various
applications.
 CONCLUSION

In summary, the experiment demonstrated the successful

synthesis of a smoke bomb using a mixture of potassium
nitrate (KNO3) and sugar. The combustion of this mixture
resulted in the production of potassium carbonate (K2CO3),
nitrogen gas (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O).
The observed chemical reactions align with the general
principle of smoke bomb formulations, where a solid
substance is generated and dispersed into the air, creating a
visible smoke composed of fine particles.
It's important to note that other smoke bomb compositions
may yield different products, but the fundamental principle
remains consistent—a solid substance is created, leading to
the formation of a smoke cloud that scatters and blocks light.
The study emphasizes the understanding of chemical
reactions involved in smoke bomb creation and their
subsequent impact on the environment.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://wiki.answers.com
http//wikipedia.com
http://chemistry.about.com
http://wikihow.com