CES Explosive Materials & Chemical Composition 2

Question 1

Which chemical compound is the primary active ingredient in ANFO blasting agents?

Accepted Answer

Ammonium nitrate

Answer

ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate/Fuel Oil) derives its explosive energy primarily from ammonium nitrate (94%) mixed with fuel oil (6%).

Question 2

What is the oxygen balance of a high explosive, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

A measure of excess or deficiency of oxygen relative to complete oxidation of carbon and hydrogen

Answer

Oxygen balance expresses the degree to which an explosive can oxidize its own carbon and hydrogen, affecting the toxicity of fumes and explosive efficiency.

Question 3

TNT (trinitrotoluene) has a negative oxygen balance of approximately -74%. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

TNT produces significant carbon monoxide and soot because it lacks sufficient oxygen

Answer

A negative oxygen balance means TNT has insufficient oxygen to fully oxidize its carbon to CO₂, resulting in black smoke and CO in post-blast gases.

Question 4

Which of the following is classified as a primary explosive due to its extreme sensitivity to initiation stimuli?

Accepted Answer

Lead azide

Answer

Lead azide is a primary explosive that is highly sensitive to heat, friction, and impact, making it suitable for use in detonators.

Question 5

What distinguishes a 'deflagration' from a 'detonation' at the chemical level?

Accepted Answer

Deflagration is subsonic combustion; detonation involves a supersonic shock wave driving the chemical reaction

Answer

In detonation, a supersonic shock wave propagates through the explosive and initiates the chemical reaction, while deflagration propagates by heat transfer at subsonic speeds.

(CES) Certified Explosives Specialist Practice Test

(CES) Certified Explosives Specialist Practice Test

CES Explosive Materials & Chemical Composition 2