Nitrates are considered to be explosive because they contain a large amount of potential energy in their chemical bonds. When these bonds are broken, a large amount of heat and gas is released, which causes a rapid expansion of the material and results in an explosion.
Nitrates become explosive when they are mixed with a fuel source, such as oil or sugar. The combination of the nitrate and fuel creates a highly reactive mixture that is capable of producing a rapid and powerful explosion.
Nitrates are more explosive than other compounds because they have a high oxygen content. Oxygen is a key component in the combustion process, and the more oxygen present in a compound, the more energy can be released during an explosion.
Nitrates can explode on their own under certain conditions, such as extreme heat or pressure. However, they are typically mixed with a fuel source to create a more powerful and controlled explosion.
No, not all nitrates are explosive. Some nitrates, such as those found in fertilizers, are stable and non-explosive. It is the combination of nitrates with a fuel source that makes them explosive.