Certified Fire Investigator Practice Exam

What type of explosive typically produces a sound wave?

1. Low explosive

2. High explosive

3. Safety explosive

4. Controlled explosive

The correct answer is: High explosive

High explosives are designed to undergo a rapid chemical reaction that produces a shock wave. When detonated, they create high-pressure waves that propagate through the surrounding medium, resulting in a loud sound wave. This characteristic is fundamentally linked to their energy release and the speed at which the reaction occurs. In contrast, low explosives primarily burn rather than detonate, producing a slower and less intense reaction. Although they can create sound, particularly when used in applications like fireworks or certain types of propellants, they do not generate the same level of shock wave as high explosives. Terms such as safety explosive and controlled explosive refer more to the handling, application, or regulatory aspects rather than the energetic properties that contribute directly to the production of a significant sound wave.