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The first explosive compound, known as gunpowder, was developed in ancient China around the 9th century. It was created by mixing saltpeter (potassium nitrate), sulfur, and charcoal, which produced a rapid combustion reaction when ignited. This mixture was initially used for fireworks and later adapted for military applications, significantly changing warfare and mining practices. The invention of gunpowder laid the foundation for the development of modern explosives.

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Can a C-4 explosive be set off by a microwave?

No, a C-4 explosive cannot be set off by a microwave. Microwaves operate on a different wavelength that is not capable of detonating high explosives like C-4. C-4 requires a strong and precise detonation source, such as a blasting cap, to be set off.


Does the military use the explosive C-4?

Yes, the military does use C-4 as an explosive material due to its stability and effectiveness in demolition and combat operations. It is commonly used for breaching obstacles, destroying structures, and as a component in explosives for military applications.


How do you make a firework in little alchamy?

In Little Alchemy, to create a firework, you need to combine "explosive" and "light." First, create "explosive" by combining "gunpowder" and "fire." Then, combine your explosive with "light" to produce a firework. Enjoy your creation!


What is the main ingrediant to c4 explosives?

C-4 (composition 4) is one of the popular plastic explosive(explosive chemical mix with plastic binder). It has 2 important advantages:The explosive material which coated with plastic binder will make it less sensitive to heat and shock. Since it is stabilized, it is relatively safe to handle C-4. Only detonator or blasting cap can trigger the reaction. Lighting the C-4 with a match will just make it burn slowly, like a piece of wood. (In Vietnam, soldiers actually burn C-4 as an improvised cooking fire.) Even shooting the explosive with rifle won't trigger the reaction.C-4 material is highly flexible. It can be molded into different shapes to change the direction of the explosion.Explosive material in C-4 is cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine (royal demolition explosive / RDX). Cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine was first prepared in 1899 from nitric acid and methenamine by Henning. The flow chart below (Please refer to reference below) shows the synthesis method uses methenamine (hexamethylenetetramine).Besides the method above, cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine can also be synthesized from formaldehyde, ammonium nitrate and acetic anhydride. (Method developed by Ross and Schiessler' in 1940's)Normally, C-4 is made up of explosives, plastic binder, plasticizer and, usually, marker or taggant chemicals such as 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMDNB) to help detect the explosive and identify its source. In 2004, Kenneth E. Lee discovered a reformulation of composition C-4 explosive for superior energetic performance and flexibility. (US Patent: 6887324)Reference:How C4 explosive is made. Life Chemistry. Retrieved June 20, 2008, fromhttp://life-chemistry.blogspot.com/search/label/Explosive


What is the least powerful explosive?

One example of a relatively weak explosive is black powder (gunpowder). It is commonly used in fireworks and small arms ammunition, but is not as powerful as other high explosives like TNT or C-4.

Related Questions

When was c4 invented?

C4 is a type of plastic explosive. It was first invented by Alfred Nobel in 1875 and was called gelignite.


Is C-4 a high or low explosive?

C-4 is classified as a high explosive due to its rapid rate of decomposition and high energy release. It is commonly used in military applications due to its destructive power.


What contains an explosive charge beginning with c?

C4


What does the first R stand for in the 4'R's of explosive ordnance reconnaissance?

R E C O G N I Z E !!!!


How much does C-4 explosive cost?

$15 a pound


What was the explosive power of the first three atomic bombs?

The explosive power of the first test bombs were 20 kilotons.


What is an C4 bomb?

An explosive device that uses a plastic explosive (Composition C-4) as the explosive. This is a powerful explosive, not sensitive to impact, that resembles gray/white modeling clay. It is based on a material known as RDX that was developed by the British military.


What is the color of RDX explosive?

C-4, based on RDX, is an off white product.


What type of explosive is widely used by the military and is one of the least sensitive explosives C-4 or RDX?

C-4 is a widely used military explosive known for its stability and insensitivity to shock and friction, making it safer to handle compared to other explosives. It is primarily composed of RDX (Research Department Explosive), which is a more sensitive explosive that provides C-4 with its detonation capabilities. While RDX is effective, C-4's formulation ensures that it remains less sensitive and more user-friendly for military applications. Thus, C-4 stands out for its combination of effectiveness and safety.


Can a C-4 explosive be set off by a microwave?

No, a C-4 explosive cannot be set off by a microwave. Microwaves operate on a different wavelength that is not capable of detonating high explosives like C-4. C-4 requires a strong and precise detonation source, such as a blasting cap, to be set off.


What explosive used in the MK-III Fatman atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki is a predecessor of modern C-4 plastic explosive?

The High VoD explosive was Composition B, which is a combination of TNT and RDX. C-4 is RDX mixed with a plasticizer.A more detail answerThe 2 explosives in MK-III were Composition B (fast) and Baratol (slow) a Navy explosive with Barium Nitrate. This can be checked in SoA Volume 8.Composition A and Composition B are RDX, TNT, and wax based high explosives developed in the 1920s and 1930s. Composition C is an RDX, TNT, stabilizer, and plasticizer based high explosive developed in the 1950s. Modern C-4 is the 4th revision of Composition C - based on Composition B - based on Composition A. C-4's full name is Composition C-4.


What does the first r stand for in the 4-r's of explosive ordnance?

The first "R" in the 4 Rs of explosive ordnance stands for "Recognize." It emphasizes the importance of being able to identify and understand the threat posed by explosive devices or materials.