Consider the following statements regarding Improvised Explosive Devic...
The Kerala Police chief confirmed that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was used in the multiple blasts that took place at the convention centre of a Christian religious group in in Kochi recently.
About Improvised Explosive Device (IED):
- An IED is a type of unconventional explosive weapon that can take any form and be activated in a variety of ways.
- IEDs are used by criminals, vandals, terrorists, suicide bombers, and insurgents.
- Because they are improvised, IEDs can come in many forms, ranging from a small pipe bomb to a sophisticated device capable of causing massive damage and loss of life.
- The extent of damage caused by an IED depends on its size, construction, and placement and whether it incorporates a high explosive or propellant.
- The term IED came into common usage during the Iraq War that began in 2003.
- Elements of an IED:
- It consists of a variety of components that include an initiator, switch, main charge, power source, and container.
- IEDs may be surrounded by or packed with additional materials or “enhancements” such as nails, glass, or metal fragments designed to increase the amount of shrapnel propelled by the explosion.
- An IED can be initiated by a variety of methods depending on the intended target.
- Materials Used as Explosives in IEDs:
- Many commonly available materials, such as fertilizer, gunpowder, and hydrogen peroxide, are used as explosive materials in IEDs.
- Explosives contain fuel and an oxidizer, which provides the oxygen needed to sustain the reaction.
Hence both statements are correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Improvised Explosive Devic...
Fertilizer and hydrogen peroxide are used as explosive materials in IEDs:
- Fertilizer: Fertilizers contain chemicals such as ammonium nitrate, which is a common ingredient in homemade explosives. Ammonium nitrate can be easily obtained from agricultural fertilizers and is often used in IEDs due to its high nitrogen content, which makes it an effective explosive material.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a commonly available chemical that can be used as an oxidizer in IEDs. It is highly reactive and can release oxygen when it reacts with other substances. This oxygen release helps sustain the combustion or explosion in an IED.
It requires an oxidizer to provide the oxygen needed to sustain the reaction:
- An oxidizer is a substance that provides oxygen to support a combustion reaction. In the case of an IED, an oxidizer is required to provide the oxygen needed for the explosive material to react and sustain the explosion. Without an oxidizer, the explosive material would not be able to undergo a rapid combustion reaction and produce a significant explosion.
Explanation:
- The first statement is correct as both fertilizer and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used as explosive materials in IEDs. Fertilizers, particularly those containing ammonium nitrate, are easily accessible and highly effective in causing explosions. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is used as an oxidizer to provide oxygen for the combustion reaction.
- The second statement is also correct as IEDs require an oxidizer to provide the oxygen necessary for the explosive material to sustain the reaction. Without an oxidizer, the explosive material would not be able to undergo a rapid combustion reaction and produce a significant explosion.
In conclusion, both statements are correct. Fertilizer and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used as explosive materials in IEDs, and an oxidizer is required to provide the oxygen necessary to sustain the reaction.
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