Explosive Characteristics
What's the difference between Fire and Explosions
Explosions release energy much faster than fire does and in a larger amount.
What explosive has been most widely used in the world?
Dynamite
What defines a primary explosive?
Whether it's sensitive to heat, friction, sparks, or shocks.
What defines a secondary explosive?
Whether it's blown up using a initiating explosive, as well as being more violent.
What causes the colors to show in a Firework?
Various metals are heated to the point where they give off excess energy in the form of bright colors, different metals gave many different colors
What type of explosive is gunpowder?
A low explosive
What kind of explosive is lower than a "low" explosive?
A blasting agent
What is gunpowder made from?
Saltpetre, Sulfur, and Charcoal
Which secondary explosive has the acronym PETN?
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate
When was nitroglycerin first used in explosives?
1867
What is the blast effect and what is the maximum speed of it?
When as one of the first form of chemical explosives made?
1044
What's one advantage to primary explosives rather than secondary explosives?
Primary explosives have a trait known as Rapid deflagration-detonation transition, they are also good "initiators"
What is another name for a homemade bomb?
IED (improvised explosive device)
What causes whales to explode naturally?
A build-up of methane gasses builds up to the point where the carcass can't withstand the pressure and then violently explodes, damaging anything close.
What is the chemical name of dynamite?
Nitroglycerin
When was the first prototype nuclear bomb made? and what was the codename for it?
July 16, 1945, trinity
What's the main ingredient in C-4?
Cyclotrimethylene-Trinitramine, or RDX (Also known as "Royal Demolition Explosive")
What kind of explosives is det cord used on?
TNT, PETIN, RDX
What causes the boom from a Firework?
The quick and violent release of energy causes the air around it to break the sound barrier, hence the boom and shockwave
What are the three fundamental types of explosions
Mechanical, nuclear, and chemical
What was the largest nuclear warhead ever made? (that we know of)
tsar bomba
How does a standard grenade function?
Once the pin is pulled and the arming safety is released, a striker pin shoots down and strikes a primer, which lights a fuze and starts a 5 second countdown, then explodes.
Which secondary explosives were almost used for space?
DIPAM and HNS
What type of explosives were guided by pigeons?
A warhead