WMD/Terrorism Awareness for Emergency Responders AWR-160-W Practice Exam

The classification of high explosives into primary, secondary, and tertiary is a well-established framework in the field of explosives. Primary explosives are sensitive materials that can detonate with a small amount of energy, often used in detonators. Secondary explosives, on the other hand, require a significant amount of energy to initiate detonation and are commonly used in military applications and demolition work. Tertiary explosives are even more stable and typically require a strong shockwave or the detonation of a secondary explosive to activate them.

This categorization is important for emergency responders to understand, as it helps in assessing the potential risks and handling procedures related to different types of explosives during an incident. The distinction also aids in determining the appropriate response strategies based on the explosive characteristics. Thus, recognizing these categories equips responders with the knowledge necessary to safely manage situations involving high explosives.