Pólvora

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/plvora

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Pólvora. Small Whale. https://smallwhale.org/articles/plvora. Accessed 2026-09-23. Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Who discovered Pólvora?9th century CE
2. From the article, write the geographical origin:China
3. From the article, write the key chemical components:Saltpeter (oxidizer), charcoal, and sulfur (fuels)
4. What is pólvora?Pólvora is a powder that makes loud noises and bright lights. It is made from charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter.
5. Where did pólvora come from?It was invented by Chinese alchemists during the Tang Dynasty, around the 9th century.

Exothermic Reaction: A chemical reaction that releases energy, usually in the form of heat and light.
Propellant: A substance that provides the force needed to propel a projectile, such as in firearms.
Pyrotechnics: The art and science of making and using fireworks and other devices that produce visual and auditory effects through combustion.