2 KNO3 + S + 3 C → K2S + N2 + 3 CO2
The above equation represents the chemical reaction that occurs after you light up your boom stick. Atmospheric oxygen is represented as O2. You will see that it is not present in the above equation. As with anything we wish to move in space you must bring along your own oxygen. Ultimately, as with most forms of energy we are able to harness for our own use, combustion is what propels objects forth from the barrel. The oxygen required for combustion is part of the KNO3 (Potassium Nitrate) and is released when exposed to a certain local temperature spike (ye olde primer spark.) Click, boom; however watch where you point that sucker because it will keep going until it hits something or burns up on re-entry somewhere.
~nerd
...however watch where you point that sucker because it will keep going until it hits something or burns up on re-entry somewhere.
~nerd