The term 'gunpowder component' refers to two substances, niter (also known as potassium nitrate) and SALTPETER (also known as sodium nitrate). Niter is a white crystalline solid composed of potassium nitrate molecules, while SALTPETER is a white crystalline solid composed of sodium nitrate molecules. Both substances are used in the production of gunpowder, and have been used for centuries in various applications.