Difference between revisions of "Make Potassium Nitrate"
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Collecting bat guano from caves used to be the main way to obtain potassium nitrate - also known as saltpeter - but these days there's a much easier way to get what you need to make this basic component of science experiments, fertilizers and gunpowder. Pick up a few instant cold packs and a container of sodium-free salt and you're in business. See Step 1 to get started. | Collecting bat guano from caves used to be the main way to obtain potassium nitrate - also known as saltpeter - but these days there's a much easier way to get what you need to make this basic component of science experiments, fertilizers and gunpowder. Pick up a few instant cold packs and a container of sodium-free salt and you're in business. See Step 1 to get started. | ||
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
#Purchase your ingredients. You can make potassium nitrate using ingredients available at any drugstore. Make sure you read the labels on the ingredients you pick up to confirm that they contain exactly what you need.<ref>http://www.wisegeek.org/can-you-really-make-gunpowder-from-urine.htm</ref> Here's what to get: | #Purchase your ingredients. You can make potassium nitrate using ingredients available at any drugstore. Make sure you read the labels on the ingredients you pick up to confirm that they contain exactly what you need.<ref>http://www.wisegeek.org/can-you-really-make-gunpowder-from-urine.htm</ref> Here's what to get: | ||
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#Pour off the liquid. After the nitrate crystals form, you'll be left with liquid ammonium chloride. Pour it off and discard so that only the crystals remain in the container. Allow them to dry completely before grinding them down and using your potassium nitrate in science experiments or for other purposes. | #Pour off the liquid. After the nitrate crystals form, you'll be left with liquid ammonium chloride. Pour it off and discard so that only the crystals remain in the container. Allow them to dry completely before grinding them down and using your potassium nitrate in science experiments or for other purposes. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
