Explosion

From the Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that anyone can change

An explosion is a very fast increase in volume and increase in energy made available. It normally makes very high temperatures and makes gases.

[change] Elements of an explosion

An explosion starts pressure waves in the medium where it happens. Explosions are categorized as deflagrations if the pressure waves are subsonic and detonations if they are supersonic. When a detonation happens, the supersonic pressure waves are named shock waves.

[change] Unintentional explosions

Unintentional explosions can be caused when chemicals are accidentally mixed together, or if pressurized containers or flammable materials are heated or exposed to flames.

There are a number of safety measures that are used to prevent unintentional explosions. Many countries require that chemicals, fuels, and pressurized containers that may explode be labelled with warning labels. As well, many countries have regulations restricting the possession and use of potentially explosive chemicals to appropriate industrial and research uses. Many countries have transportation regulations that require potentially explosive chemicals, fuels, and pressurized containers to be transported safely.

[change] Intentional explosions

Intentional explosions are caused when armies fire artillery or when military air forces drop bombs during a war. Intentional explosions are also used by civilians in activities such as mining, construction, and large-scale civil engineering projects such as building tunnels, roads, railways, and dams.