Which type of high explosives are known for being extremely sensitive to heat, shock, or friction?

Primary explosives are known for their extreme sensitivity to heat, shock, or friction, which makes them particularly hazardous to handle and store. These explosives are typically used in initiating devices, such as detonators, where their rapid and intense reaction to relatively minor stimuli is essential for triggering secondary explosives or larger charges.

This high level of sensitivity is due to the chemical makeup of primary explosives, which often includes compounds such as lead azide and mercury fulminate. Their propensity to detonate under slight disturbance necessitates careful handling, as they can detonate unintentionally if not treated with extreme caution.

In contrast, secondary explosives are much more stable and require a substantial detonation wave to explode, making them safer for transportation and handling. Tertiary explosives are even more stable, akin to blasting agents that require a booster to detonate and are typically used in large-scale applications where safety is a priority. Blasting agents, like ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil), are primarily designed for safety and effectiveness in explosive applications but are not sensitive to heat, shock, or friction, which distinguishes them from primary explosives.