The Explosive Substances

1. Which one of the following statements with regard to TNT is not corr

Which one of the following statements with regard to TNT is not correct ?

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TNT stands for trinitrotoluene
It is of creamy yellow colour
It is a solid organic nitrogen compound
It is considered to be a low intensity explosive substance
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2023
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The correct option is D, as the statement “It is considered to be a low intensity explosive substance” is not correct.
TNT (Trinitrotoluene) is a high explosive. High explosives detonate at high velocity, producing a supersonic shockwave, unlike low explosives which deflagrate (burn rapidly). TNT is one of the most widely used explosive materials for military, industrial, and mining purposes.
Statements A, B, and C are correct. A) TNT stands for trinitrotoluene. B) Pure TNT is indeed a creamy yellow solid. C) It is a solid organic nitrogen compound with the chemical formula C6H2(NO2)3CH3.

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2. Which one of the following is an example of low explosive?

Which one of the following is an example of low explosive?

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Gunpowder
Gelatine
TNT
Dynamite
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
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Low explosives are substances that deflagrate (burn rapidly) rather than detonate (explode via a supersonic shockwave). Gunpowder (including black powder and smokeless powder) is a classic example of a low explosive. The burning speed creates a rapid expansion of gases, suitable for propellants (like in firearms or fireworks) but not for shattering effects required in demolition. Gelatine, TNT (Trinitrotoluene), and Dynamite are all high explosives used for their destructive detonating power.
Low explosives deflagrate, while high explosives detonate.
The primary difference lies in the speed of decomposition and the resulting pressure wave. High explosives decompose much faster, creating a shockwave that propagates at supersonic speeds, causing detonation. Low explosives burn comparatively slowly at subsonic speeds, causing deflagration.

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3. What does TNT stand for ?

What does TNT stand for ?

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Tri Nitro Toluene
Tri Nitro Tartum
Tetra Nitro Toluene
Thallium Nitrate Tetryl
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2020
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TNT stands for Tri Nitro Toluene.
Tri Nitro Toluene (TNT) is a chemical compound with the formula C₆H₂ (NO₂)₃CH₃. It is a highly stable explosive material and one of the most widely used explosives, particularly in military and mining applications.
TNT is known for its relative insensitivity compared to other explosives, making it safer to handle. It is often used as a reference point for comparing the power of other explosives, measured by the “TNT equivalent”.

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4. What is PETN?

What is PETN?

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Pentane epinephirine tantalum nitro
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate
Phenol erythritol tetranitrate
None of the above
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2019
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PETN stands for Pentaerythritol tetranitrate.
PETN is a powerful explosive, known for its high brisance and sensitivity to initiation, making it commonly used in detonators, booster charges, and plastic explosives.
It is one of the most powerful explosive compounds known and has been used in various terrorist plots, including attempted airline bombings, often in relatively small amounts due to its potency.

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5. Which one of the following materials is not present in gun powder?

Which one of the following materials is not present in gun powder?

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Sulphur
Charcoal
Potassium nitrate
Barium sulphate
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2017
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Barium sulphate is not present in traditional gunpowder.
Traditional black gunpowder consists of a mixture of three main components: Potassium nitrate (KNO₃), Charcoal (primarily carbon), and Sulphur (S).
Potassium nitrate acts as the oxidizer, providing oxygen for the rapid combustion of the fuel components, charcoal and sulphur. Sulphur also helps to stabilize the mixture and lowers the ignition temperature. Barium sulphate is sometimes used in pyrotechnics to produce a green color, but it is not a standard ingredient in black gunpowder propellant.

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6. When one strikes a safety match, the first step is

When one strikes a safety match, the first step is

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burning of sulfur
decomposition of potassium chlorate into potassium chloride and oxygen
conversion of a small amount of red phosphorus into white phosphorus
burning of glue and starch
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2016
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When one strikes a safety match, the first step (after generating friction) is the conversion of a small amount of red phosphorus into white phosphorus.
A safety match head contains oxidizer (like KClO₃), fuel (sulfur), and binder. The striking surface contains red phosphorus, glass powder, and binder. Striking the head against the surface creates friction, which generates heat. This heat energy is sufficient to convert a tiny amount of red phosphorus on the strip into the highly reactive white phosphorus, which ignites instantly in air. This initial ignition then provides the heat to decompose the potassium chlorate in the match head, releasing oxygen, which oxidizes the sulfur, causing the main flame.
Burning of sulfur (A), decomposition of potassium chlorate (B), and burning of glue/starch (D – part of the binder) are subsequent steps that occur after the initial ignition triggered by the red phosphorus/white phosphorus conversion.

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7. Which one among the following is used in making gunpowder ?

Which one among the following is used in making gunpowder ?

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Magnesium sulphate
Potassium nitrate
Sodium stearate
Calcium sulphate
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2015
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The correct answer is Potassium nitrate. Potassium nitrate (KNO₃) is a key component of traditional black powder or gunpowder.
Gunpowder is typically a mixture of potassium nitrate (oxidizer), charcoal (fuel), and sulfur (fuel/stabilizer). Potassium nitrate serves as the oxidizer, providing oxygen for the rapid combustion of the fuel components.
Magnesium sulphate (Epsom salt) is used in medicine and baths. Sodium stearate is a major component of soap. Calcium sulphate (gypsum) is used in plaster and cement. None of these are components of traditional gunpowder.

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8. Statement-I: The granules of modern gunpowder (also called black powde

Statement-I: The granules of modern gunpowder (also called black powder) are typically coated with Graphite.
Statement-II: Graphite prevents the build-up of electrostatic charge.

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Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Statement I is false but Statement II is true
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2015
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Both Statement I and Statement II are individually true, and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.
Statement I is true; graphite is commonly used as a coating for black powder granules. Statement II is also true; graphite is a good conductor and helps dissipate electrostatic charge.
Black powder (gunpowder) components, especially sulfur and potassium nitrate, can generate static electricity through friction during handling and transport. Static discharge can ignite the powder, leading to dangerous explosions. Coating the granules with a conductive material like graphite prevents static buildup, making the powder safer to handle and improving its flow properties. Therefore, Statement II provides the reason for the practice described in Statement I.

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