Which term best describes explosives that detonate at speeds exceeding the speed of sound?

• A. High explosives
• B. Low explosives
• C. Nuclear explosion
• D. Mechanical explosion

Answer: (A)

Explosives are classified by how quickly the energy release propagates and whether a true detonation wave forms. When the reaction front travels faster than the speed of sound in the surrounding medium, it drives a shock wave—that is detonation. Explosives designed to detonate and produce that shock are called high explosives. Low explosives burn or deflagrate, with the flame front moving slower than sound and no true detonation wave. Nuclear explosions involve nuclear reactions, not chemical detonation speed, and mechanical explosion isn’t the standard chemical-category term.