Smoke Bomb - Variants

Variants

While there are smoke-generating devices that are dropped from airplanes, the term "smoke bomb" is used to describe the three types of devices:

1. A smoke ball is a hollow, cherry-sized sphere of brightly colored clay or cardboard filled with a smoke-generating composition that produces a forceful jet of colored smoke for 10 to 15 seconds. The usual chemical equation is 9.6KNO₃ + C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ → 4.8K₂CO₃ + 7.2CO₂ + 11H₂O + 4.8N₂.
2. A smoke candle (also called a smoke generator or smoke canister) is a cylindrical cardboard tube with a fuse, usually 1+1⁄₂ inches (38 mm) in diameter and several inches long and resembling a giant firecracker. Such a device creates a thick cloud of smoke for up to several minutes. Uses include providing smoke for smoke testing and creating a smoke-screen for paintball and airsoft games.
3. A smoke canister (or smoke grenade) is a metal can that releases smoke when a pin is pulled. Used by military personnel for signalling or as a screening device for troop movements.