Explosion facts for kids
An explosion is a very fast increase in volume and a sudden release of energy. This usually creates very high temperatures and produces lots of gases. Many natural events can cause explosions, like lightning, volcanic eruptions, meteors hitting Earth, and even giant stars called supernovae exploding. People often create explosions using special chemical materials called explosive materials.
When a chemical explosion happens, it sends out strong pressure waves through the air or whatever material it's in. Explosions are sorted into two main types:
- Deflagrations happen when these pressure waves move slower than the speed of sound (they are subsonic).
- Detonations happen when the pressure waves move faster than the speed of sound (they are supersonic). When a detonation occurs, the powerful pressure waves are called shock waves.
Unexpected Explosions
Unexpected explosions can happen for several reasons. Sometimes, different chemicals are accidentally mixed together. Other times, containers holding things under high pressure, or materials that can easily catch fire, might get too hot or be exposed to flames. Pressure doesn't have to be there for an explosion to start, but it's always a result of one.
To keep everyone safe, many rules and steps are followed to prevent unexpected explosions. Many countries require that chemicals, fuels, and pressurized containers that could explode must have clear warning labels. Also, there are rules about who can have and use potentially explosive materials. This makes sure these materials are only used safely in industries or for research. Rules for transportation also make sure that dangerous chemicals, fuels, and pressurized containers are moved from place to place in a safe way.
Planned Explosions
Planned explosions are used for specific purposes. For example, armies use them when they fire artillery or when air forces drop bombs during conflicts. Military engineers are experts who handle explosives and set up these planned explosions during wartime.
Civilians also use planned explosions in a process called demolition. This is when old or unsafe buildings and bridges are carefully taken down. Explosions are also used to break up rock and stone for construction projects. These blasts are important for activities like mining, building new structures, and large civil engineering projects. This includes making tunnels, roads, railways, and dams.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Three explosions happening as the photograph is taken
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A capacitor that has exploded
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The nebula around Wolf–Rayet star WR124, which is located about 21,000 light years away.
See also
In Spanish: Explosión para niños
