When ignited in the open, smokeless powder burns at what rate?

When smokeless powder is ignited in the open, it burns at a relatively slow sustained rate. This characteristic is essential for its use in firearms and ammunition. Unlike explosives that detonate and produce a shockwave, smokeless powder ignites and combusts gradually, generating a controlled and sustained release of gas that propels the bullet out of the firearm effectively.

This slow combustion allows for the buildup of pressure in the barrel, enabling the firearm to function properly while maintaining safety. Smokeless powder's design and chemical composition contribute to this predictable burn rate, which is crucial for accurate and consistent performance in shooting applications.

Other options such as an instant explosive rate or rapid flash rate describe materials that detonate or combust nearly instantaneously, which is not the case with smokeless powder. An unpredictable rate does not apply as smokeless powder operates within specific parameters established by its formulation, ensuring reliability in its burning characteristics during combustion.