What makes ammonium nitrate become explosive?

10-23-2020


Today’s Video of the Day from the American Chemical Society describes the science behind ammonium nitrate and what causes it to become explosive.

Ammonium nitrate is a harmless chemical compound that can turn deadly under certain conditions. 

When large amounts of ammonium nitrate are combined with heat, gases are released that become trapped. As the temperatures begin to rise and the pressure builds up, a violently explosive substance is created that can be detonated by a flame. 

Video Credit: American Chemical Society 

By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer

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