Which substance is commonly shock sensitive?

Which substance is commonly shock sensitive?

• A. Organic peroxide
• B. Hydrochloric acid
• C. Sodium chloride
• D. Water

Answer: (A)

Shock sensitivity is the tendency of a material to detonate or rapidly decompose when it is struck, rubbed, or otherwise subjected to mechanical energy. Organic peroxides are commonly shock sensitive because they contain weak O–O bonds and unstable organic radicals. When a shock or friction adds energy, these bonds can break and trigger a rapid, exothermic decomposition that may produce gas and heat, sometimes leading to an explosion. That instability is a defining hazard of organic peroxides, so they require strict handling and must be kept away from heat, shocks, and contaminants. The other substances listed do not fit this behavior under normal conditions. Hydrochloric acid is a corrosive liquid, but not shock sensitive. Sodium chloride is a stable salt, and water is a stable substance; none are prone to detonation from minor mechanical shock.

Shock sensitivity is the tendency of a material to detonate or rapidly decompose when it is struck, rubbed, or otherwise subjected to mechanical energy. Organic peroxides are commonly shock sensitive because they contain weak O–O bonds and unstable organic radicals. When a shock or friction adds energy, these bonds can break and trigger a rapid, exothermic decomposition that may produce gas and heat, sometimes leading to an explosion. That instability is a defining hazard of organic peroxides, so they require strict handling and must be kept away from heat, shocks, and contaminants.

The other substances listed do not fit this behavior under normal conditions. Hydrochloric acid is a corrosive liquid, but not shock sensitive. Sodium chloride is a stable salt, and water is a stable substance; none are prone to detonation from minor mechanical shock.