Question

A binary explosive is made by combining nitroglycerin (oxygen balance of +4.0%) with a second compound with an oxygen balance of -11.5. What must the weight percent of the nitroglycerin be in the mixture to obtain an oxygen balance of zero for the combination?

Answer 1

Let us assume the weight percent of Nitroglycerine is x %.

The weight percent of the second component is (100-x) %.

The total oxygen balance of the mixture is thus calculated as

       4x-11.5(100-x) = 0

                     15.5x = 1150

                            x = 74.2

So, weight percent of Nitroglycerine is 74.2 %.