the dynamic ALFRED nobel BY HAI L IN cHEN
Alfred Nobel (Born 21 October 1833 - 10 December 1896) was a Swedish Chemist, Engineer, Innovator, Inventor, and an armament manufacturer. By the end of his death, Nobel had up to 355 patents and 87 companies worldwide (He was freaking loaded!).He was most famous for inventing dynamite, surprising people with a big blast. But more importantly Nobel was also the founder of the Nobel Prizes. Presented in his will, He wanted to award prizes with his humongous fortune to those who created a huge positive impact on mankind.
How Does It Work?
A: Sawdust or other type of absorbent material soaked in nitroglycerin ( extremely explosive liquid).
B: Protective coating to hold the explosive material.
C: Blasting Cap ( which Nobel first invented )
D: Fuse connecting to the explosive (Light it up for a big bang!)
So Whats The Chemistry Behind All This?
There are 2 major components inside a dynamite, first the diatomite (or kieselguhr ) and second the nitroglycerin. The diatom is consist of Silica, Alumina, and Iron Oxide ( SiO2Al2O3Fe2O3 ) and is used to absorb the nitroglycerin (C3H5N3O9) in order to make it safer to handle. The nitroglycerin is a highly explosive substance that is very unstable by itself. When ignited from the fuse, energy is applied to create a chemical reaction. Energy is given to the mixture of the diatom and nitroglycerin, producing a large amount of high temperature gas that is trapped in the casing. The molecules inside bounce faster and faster , thus expanding and applying pressure inside the containment and eventually erupting to cause a explosion ( KABOOM!!!).
A: Sawdust or other type of absorbent material soaked in nitroglycerin ( extremely explosive liquid).
B: Protective coating to hold the explosive material.
C: Blasting Cap ( which Nobel first invented )
D: Fuse connecting to the explosive (Light it up for a big bang!)
So Whats The Chemistry Behind All This?
There are 2 major components inside a dynamite, first the diatomite (or kieselguhr ) and second the nitroglycerin. The diatom is consist of Silica, Alumina, and Iron Oxide ( SiO2Al2O3Fe2O3 ) and is used to absorb the nitroglycerin (C3H5N3O9) in order to make it safer to handle. The nitroglycerin is a highly explosive substance that is very unstable by itself. When ignited from the fuse, energy is applied to create a chemical reaction. Energy is given to the mixture of the diatom and nitroglycerin, producing a large amount of high temperature gas that is trapped in the casing. The molecules inside bounce faster and faster , thus expanding and applying pressure inside the containment and eventually erupting to cause a explosion ( KABOOM!!!).
What Is Dynamite Used For?
- Mining ( break large rocks to dig deeper )
- Demolishing old structures ( bridges, buildings, etc. that are very old and collapsing )
- Creating passages for roads, tunnels, railroads
- Military ( used in warfare or training exercises )
The History Of Dynamite
At the beginning black power ( a form of gunpowder) was the only type of explosives used in mines. As time passed nitroglycerin was discovered ( by a Italian chemist named Ascanio Sobrero ) and compared to black powder, nitroglycerin gave a much more powerful blast. However this substance was highly unstable and was unable to be handled safely. But obstacles never stopped any great inventors from trying! To start off, Nobel built a factory in which he manufactured nitroglycerin and experimented on it. His goal was to create a controlled detonator that could be safely used. In 1863, Nobel's first model the blasting cap was a success in which lead to helping him gain a reputation.
Even though Nobel's intention was to create a safe detonator for the explosives, his plan went south. Ironically in 1864 one of Nobel's nitroglycerin factory blew up, resulting in the death of his younger brother Emil and several other members. A similar tragic accident reacquire in 1866, due to the instability of nitroglycerin. This tragedy lead to Nobel discovering a new way to stabilize the substance. In the same year he found that by mixing kieselguhr ( a form of diatomaceous earth used as a filter, filler, or insulator ) helped absorb the nitroglycerin and made the mixture safer to handle than before. As a result this new product was safer to handle in factories and transporting. He named this mixture dynamite and began producing it worldwide in 1867. Dynamite helped Nobel gained even more fame and was now produced to be used for blasting tunnels, mining, cutting canals, and building railways and roads.
At the beginning black power ( a form of gunpowder) was the only type of explosives used in mines. As time passed nitroglycerin was discovered ( by a Italian chemist named Ascanio Sobrero ) and compared to black powder, nitroglycerin gave a much more powerful blast. However this substance was highly unstable and was unable to be handled safely. But obstacles never stopped any great inventors from trying! To start off, Nobel built a factory in which he manufactured nitroglycerin and experimented on it. His goal was to create a controlled detonator that could be safely used. In 1863, Nobel's first model the blasting cap was a success in which lead to helping him gain a reputation.
Even though Nobel's intention was to create a safe detonator for the explosives, his plan went south. Ironically in 1864 one of Nobel's nitroglycerin factory blew up, resulting in the death of his younger brother Emil and several other members. A similar tragic accident reacquire in 1866, due to the instability of nitroglycerin. This tragedy lead to Nobel discovering a new way to stabilize the substance. In the same year he found that by mixing kieselguhr ( a form of diatomaceous earth used as a filter, filler, or insulator ) helped absorb the nitroglycerin and made the mixture safer to handle than before. As a result this new product was safer to handle in factories and transporting. He named this mixture dynamite and began producing it worldwide in 1867. Dynamite helped Nobel gained even more fame and was now produced to be used for blasting tunnels, mining, cutting canals, and building railways and roads.
About The Nobel Prizes
Upon Alfred Nobel’s death (December 10, 1896), his will stated that Nobel wanted majority of his fortune to be used in the field of science, literature and or peace. His wishes were to give out prizes for those who've created a positive impact towards mankind. Although his will wasn’t first enacted in 1901 due to opposition of relatives and authorities, the first award was presented in Sweden and have still been carried out till this day. This helped inspired people to create change, helping to impact the world.
Upon Alfred Nobel’s death (December 10, 1896), his will stated that Nobel wanted majority of his fortune to be used in the field of science, literature and or peace. His wishes were to give out prizes for those who've created a positive impact towards mankind. Although his will wasn’t first enacted in 1901 due to opposition of relatives and authorities, the first award was presented in Sweden and have still been carried out till this day. This helped inspired people to create change, helping to impact the world.
But Why Was He Dynamic?
Alfred Nobel has changed the world in many ways. With the invention of dynamite, Nobel was able to create something in which promoted greater wealth to the mining community, by saving money and lives. Nobel was also able to change the world by promoting humanity in many fields of work. In leaving his wealth behind to be given out as prizes for the betterment of humanity, lead to the creation of many more inventions and ideas throughout science and peace.
Alfred Nobel has changed the world in many ways. With the invention of dynamite, Nobel was able to create something in which promoted greater wealth to the mining community, by saving money and lives. Nobel was also able to change the world by promoting humanity in many fields of work. In leaving his wealth behind to be given out as prizes for the betterment of humanity, lead to the creation of many more inventions and ideas throughout science and peace.
- He was named " The Merchant Of Death" because he sold products that could easily kill people
- He was taught engineering from his father Immanuel Nobel
- He lived through the Crimean War ( 1853 - 1856 )
- He was fluent in English, German, French and Russian