Grenade (disambiguation) facts for kids
A grenade is a small explosive device that can be thrown by hand or launched from a special gun. It's designed to explode and cause damage to a target, often by scattering small pieces of metal or by creating a loud flash and bang. Grenades are used in military situations for various purposes.
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What is a Grenade?
A grenade is basically a small bomb that can be carried and used by one person. Most grenades are shaped like a small can or a fruit, and they have a safety pin that must be pulled before they can be thrown. Once thrown, a short delay allows the thrower to get to safety before it explodes.
How Grenades Work
When the safety pin is pulled and the grenade is thrown, a lever springs off. This starts a timer inside the grenade. After a few seconds, the timer sets off a small detonator, which then ignites the main explosive material. The explosion happens very quickly, releasing a lot of energy.
Types of Grenades
There are different kinds of grenades, each with a special job:
- Fragmentation grenades: These are the most common type. When they explode, their metal casing breaks into many sharp pieces called fragments. These fragments fly out at high speed, causing damage over a wide area.
- Smoke grenades: Instead of exploding with fragments, these grenades release a lot of colored smoke. They are used to create a screen to hide movements or to signal locations.
- Flashbang grenades: Also known as stun grenades, these create a very loud bang and a bright flash of light. They are used to temporarily confuse or disorient people without causing serious injury.
- Incendiary grenades: These grenades are designed to start fires. They contain materials that burn very hot for a short time.
The History of Grenades
The idea of throwing small explosive devices has been around for a long time. Early versions were simple containers filled with gunpowder and a fuse. The word "grenade" actually comes from the French word for "pomegranate," because early grenades looked a bit like the fruit and were filled with many small "seeds" (fragments).
Grenadiers: Soldiers Who Threw Grenades
In the 17th and 18th centuries, special soldiers called grenadiers were trained to throw these early grenades. They were often the strongest and tallest soldiers in the army because throwing grenades effectively required a lot of strength. Even today, some military units still use the name "grenadier" to honor this historical role.
Other Meanings of "Grenade"
While "grenade" most often refers to the explosive device, the word can also be used in other ways:
- Grenade, Haute-Garonne: This is the name of a town in France.
- "Grenade" (song): This is the title of a popular song by the singer Bruno Mars.
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