Why is ammonium nitrate an explosive?
Rev writes Explosives generally produce a large amount of gas and release energy in the explosion reaction. Ammonium nitrate NH4NO3 can decompose as follows on careful heating: NH4NO3 (s) -> N2O(g) + 2H2O(g) However when it explodes the dinitrogen oxide decomposes into its elements because it is unstable. The effect is that a small volume of solid produces a large volume of hot gas. Notice that in the reaction the nitrate ion is an oxidiser. It oxidises the ammonium ion. One ion reacts with the other. Ammonium nitrate normally needs a severe shock from a detonator to get it to explode. However stored ammonium nitrate has been to known to explode without warning. If the explosive is contained in a fixed space the rapid production of gas creates a massive pressure which increases the effect of the explosion. Ammonium nitrate has a relatively low detonating velocity so it is generally used in mining and quarrying where a slow push, or heave, is required rather than a shattering bang. Neve
Rev writes Explosives generally produce a large amount of gas and release energy in the explosion reaction. Ammonium nitrate NH4NO3 can decompose as follows on careful heating: NH4NO3 (s) -> N2O(g) + 2H2O(g) However when it explodes the dinitrogen oxide decomposes into its elements because it is unstable. The effect is that a small volume of solid produces a large volume of hot gas. Notice that in the reaction the nitrate ion is an oxidiser. It oxidises the ammonium ion. One ion reacts with the other. Ammonium nitrate normally needs a severe shock from a detonator to get it to explode. However stored ammonium nitrate has been to known to explode without warning. If the explosive is contained in a fixed space the rapid production of gas creates a massive pressure which increases the effect of the explosion. Ammonium nitrate has a relatively low detonating velocity so it is generally used in mining and quarrying where a slow push, or heave, is required rather than a shattering bang. Neve
