Low Explosives: Understanding Black Powder

What is an example of a low explosive?

Black powder, also known as gunpowder, is a typical example of a low explosive.

Black powder, also known as gunpowder, is a typical example of a low explosive. These substances burn slowly, without creating a shock wave, and typically require containment to cause an explosion. Low explosives burn at a slow rate and generally require some form of containment to build pressure for an explosion. Low explosives are substances that deflagrate, or burn, rather than detonate. This means they combust rapidly, but without the formation of a shock wave.

Other common examples of low explosives are match heads and fireworks. These substances burn slowly and generally require containment to cause an explosion, much like black powder. In contrast, high explosives such as dynamite or TNT detonate, creating a shock wave that moves faster than the speed of sound.