Ok say i fired a gun in space would it even work in an environment without air?

Question

I have seen guns fire underwater but there is no air in space so would a bullet work at all?

Answer 1

A gun would still work in space. Gunpowder contains its own oxidizing agent.

Answer 2

Firing a gun has nothing to do with air - as long as the firing mechanism can strike and ignite the cartridge, it will fire.
Why would you think you need air to fire a gun? Air has no effect on the firing. Air only affects the bullet by causing friction which causes the bullet to slow down.
So in space with no air and no gravity, the bullet will go on pretty much forever (until it hits something or is caught in the gravitational field of a large object such as a planet, moon, or asteroid).

Answer 3

Yes. Bullets are powered by explosives--like gunpowder (other kinds work the same way--so this explanation applies to all types). The gunpoder is a mixture of components that undergoes an intense chemical reaction that does NOT require air. If you tdhink about it--it has to--air can't get to the gunpower inside the casing (and inside the gun.)--so it will work as well in space as in the atmosphere.

In fact--it would work better--the lack of air means there's no air resistance to the bullet to slow it down or deflect it from where its aimed.

Answer 4

particular, i've got self assurance they might. i'm no scientist, yet whilst a bullet shell is stuffed with gunpowder, and the bullet pushed in, that is hermetic. No air can get in or out, and there is obviously a small quantity trapped in there first of all. as quickly as the hammer hits the shell, inflicting the gunpowder interior to ignite, the bullet would be pushed interior the process the barrel. it's going to be projected out by the gunpowder, and could keep vacationing at an extraordinarily severe speed. So particular, I do have self assurance that a gun might nicely be fired in an airless environment.

Answer 5

You should use the search feature; this question has been asked before. Briefly: there are some types of cartridges that are sealed and contain all the oxygen necessary for the combustion of the powder charge. Most bullets these days, I believe. (This is also necessary for firing underwater). Those would work in space, as well.

Answer 6

There is no air underwater

Gunpowder is a unstable, volitle substance

Also AIR is enclosed in the cartrdige and sealed with the lead pellet.

So there is enough are in the cartridge to genearate combustion, it may not be complete but it is enough to cause the lead pellet to expell from the casing.

Answer 7

bullet is tight in casing so gunpowder does not need air to fire

a lot of great info on firearms in these answers

flintlocks might not work as they are not sealed

"for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction"
the recoil will send you flying backwards

Answer 8

Yes,it work's in space because gun function well & allow to hit the target but no fire broke out because explosive need air to make fire

Answer 9

It would work better without air friction to slow it down.

Answer 10

An old muzzle-loading flintlock would not work, but any modern pistol, rifle, or machine gun would work. Modern cartridges are sealed and the propellant charge is self-oxidizing.