Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

Question:
Why does explosives have to contain such a high nitrogen density?
 s toba

Answer:
Nitrogen gas, N2, is a very inert, stable gas.  Reason:  it is two atoms
connected by a triple bond.  The delta-H of formation of N2 gas from
two nitrogen atoms is about -950 kJ which means it gives off a LOT of energ!
So explosives have nitrogen atoms in them and the more nitrogen atoms
that are available to come together and form N2 gas, the more energy will
be released, the bigger the boom!
-Joe Schultz