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Glycerol, the base molecule of nitroglycerin, in and of itself is a pretty stable molecule, but when nitrated the stable hydroxyl endings of the glycerol turn into nitroxide endings - which are extremely unstable. These endings are right on the borderline of wanting to stay attached and wanting to split off into nitrogen dioxide. The smallest bit of excess energy triggers them to detach. This starts the rest of the molecule into a self-destruct sequence as, in an attempt to stabilize itself, the remaining oxygen molecules through a bond (safety line) to the carbon atoms. This results in the immediate breakdown of the molecule as the carbon atoms are forced to release their other bonds to hang on to the oxygen. This causes a combustion reaction as the carbon and hydrogen use atmospheric oxygen to stabilize themselves. However, it doesn't come out even, there is always an extraneous hydrogen atom which continues the chain reaction by triggering the remaining nitroglycerin molecules to self-destruct. All of this happens in a fraction of a second, causing an enormous explosive force.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoWell- you can explode things with it. Or, you can soak diatomaceous earth with it, wrap it in paper and call it dynamite. Useful particularly in excavation and mining.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIt explodes.
It undergoes explosive decomposition.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoyes. Nitroglycerin in pure form will explode if subjected to shock. It can also explode if heated to quickly or mixed with other substances.
Wiki User
∙ 6y agoThe chemical formula is modified.
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Is nitroglycerine the same thing as dynamite?
Nitroglycerin is the explosive component of dynamite but it is not in its pure form in dynamite: it is stabilized in a clay-like substance. Pure nitroglycerin is to unstable to be stored or transported for everyday used. It is very easy to set off accidentally, hence the need to be stabilized.
Can silicon explode?
Silicon may certainly burn, but whether explosively I don't know.
Why is dynamite important in history?
Dynamite is important because it was the first "safer" explosive. Dynamite is nitroglycerin that's been mixed with an absorbent like sawdust or cat litter then packed in tubes. Nitroglycerin is very shock sensitive--if you bump it hard enough, which isn't very hard, it will explode. A lot of people died transporting nitroglycerin. Dynamite, because it's relatively insensitive to shock, can be safely moved from the manufacturing plant to the jobsite.
What happens when you freeze dynamite?
Many explosives, especially those based on nitroglycerin, lose their sensitivity when frozen. They will not explode. When using explosives under arctic conditions, there are procedures for warming them (safely) before use.
How dangerous are fires?
Fires will burn and explode a lot of items.
Is nitroglycerin a antianginal drug?
Yep, but you won't explode from taking it. See the attached link.
Will nitroglycerin in closed glass container explode in hand if thrown?
Yes, quite certainly, AND DO NOT TRY THIS !!
Does gasoline explode?
gasoline combined with air will explode, gasoline won't burn without air the fumes mixed with air will explode but the gasolin will burn
What medicine can make coke explode?
NITROGLYCERIN is extreemly dangerous and can make most anything explode especially a bottle of soda. It is used to help people not have a heart attack.
What are two supstances that will explode when hit with a high power riffle bullet?
Nitroglycerin and a natural gas container (with the right ammo)
Are Nitroglycerin tablets dangerous?
In the sense of exploding- No. The nitroglycerin is mixed with other things, and is too dilute to explode. In the sense that ANY medication can be dangerous to take- yes. If you do not have a medical condition that would require them, taking them can be very unhealthy.
What is the meaning of combustability?
Starting to burn, or explode.
What types of dust will burn or explode?
All types of dust that are not fully oxidized will burn and potentially explode. This includes metal dust such as aluminum, or organic materials such as grain or sugar dust. If a [solid] substance can burn, it can be explode as a dust if the right conditions are present.
How does a car explode?
They can catch fire and burn up but they only explode in the movies. gasoline and a match
Can a dsi burn?
If you mean burn like on fire, then yes, I think it can (but it might explode).
Do fireworks bother roaches?
No, unless you burn them with it or explode it on them.
How do you store nitroglycerin - And why - Why does it have to be in a dark bottle and away from the light?
Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Avoid extremes in temperature and humidity. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. The main use of nitroglycerin, by tonnage, is in explosives such as dynamite and in propellants. Nitroglycerin is an oil that may explode with heat, pressure or when it burns. It is extremely unstable, therefore dropping or bumping a container can also make it explode.
