Chapter 17, Problem 5ACT

a.

Summary Introduction

To determine: Whether low or high explosives caused the explosion if lead azide residues are found as evidence.

Introduction: High explosive has a velocity of detonation greater than 1000 meters per second. Some of the high explosives include dynamite, TNT, PETN, and RDX.

b.

Summary Introduction

To determine: Whether low or high explosives caused the explosion if nitrocellulose residues are found as evidence.

Introduction: Low explosives are the black and smokeless powders that decompose at a prolonged rate that is up to 1,000 meters per second. They produce a propelling or throwing action.

c.

Summary Introduction

To determine: Whether low or high explosives caused the explosion if ammonium nitrate residues are found as evidence.

Introduction: Secondary explosives are the type of high explosives that are insensitive to heat, shock, and friction. These explosives burn instead of detonation.

d.

Summary Introduction

To determine: Whether low or high explosives caused the explosion if scraps of prima cord residues prima cord as evidence.

Introduction: The military explosives are the type of high explosives that undergo detonation rather than auto-combustion. Some of the high explosives used in the military are TNT and PETN.

e.

Summary Introduction

To determine: Whether low or high explosives caused the explosion if potassium chlorate residues are found as evidence.

Introduction: Black powder is a stable mixture of potassium or sodium nitrate, charcoal and sulfur. It burns rather than detonate and therefore used in safety fuses.