What type of explosive has a high detonation velocity and is often associated with military applications?

High explosives are characterized by their ability to detonate at high velocities, often exceeding 1,000 meters per second. This rapid detonation produces a shock wave capable of causing significant destruction, making them suitable for military applications, such as in artillery shells, bombs, and missiles. The high detonation velocity allows for a more effective transfer of energy to a target, leading to greater destructive power.

In contrast, low explosives burn at a slower rate and generally produce a gas expansion that is more suited for applications like propelling projectiles or in pyrotechnics rather than causing explosive damage. Blasting agents require a booster to achieve detonation, indicating they do not possess the inherent properties of high explosives. Initiating explosives are specifically designed to initiate the detonation of other explosives and are not characterized by a high detonation velocity on their own. Thus, the classification of high explosives aligns directly with their military applications based on their destructive capabilities.