Causes Explosion

1 causes

1.1 natural

1.1.1 astronomical


1.2 chemical
1.3 electrical , magnetic
1.4 mechanical , vapor
1.5 nuclear

causes
natural

explosions can occur in nature. natural explosions arise volcanic processes of various sorts. explosive volcanic eruptions occur when magma rising below has much-dissolved gas in it; reduction of pressure magma rises causes gas bubble out of solution, resulting in rapid increase in volume. explosions occur result of impact events , in phenomena such hydrothermal explosions (also due volcanic processes). explosions can occur outside of earth in universe in events such supernova. explosions occur during bushfires in eucalyptus forests volatile oils in tree tops combust.

astronomical

among largest known explosions in universe supernovae, results when star explodes sudden starting or stopping of nuclear fusion, , gamma ray bursts, nature still in dispute. solar flares example of common explosion on sun, , presumably on other stars well. energy source solar flare activity comes tangling of magnetic field lines resulting rotation of sun s conductive plasma. type of large astronomical explosion occurs when large meteoroid or asteroid impacts surface of object, such planet.

chemical

the common artificial explosives chemical explosives, involving rapid , violent oxidation reaction produces large amounts of hot gas. gunpowder first explosive discovered , put use. other notable developments in chemical explosive technology frederick augustus abel s development of nitrocellulose in 1865 , alfred nobel s invention of dynamite in 1866. chemical explosions (both intentional , accidental) initiated electric spark or flame. accidental explosions may occur in fuel tanks, rocket engines, etc.

electrical , magnetic

a high current electrical fault can create electrical explosion forming high energy electrical arc rapidly vaporizes metal , insulation material. arc flash hazard danger persons working on energized switchgear. also, excessive magnetic pressure within ultra-strong electromagnet can cause magnetic explosion.

mechanical , vapor

strictly physical process, opposed chemical or nuclear, e.g., bursting of sealed or partially sealed container under internal pressure referred mechanical explosion . examples include overheated boiler or simple tin can of beans tossed fire.

boiling liquid expanding vapor explosions 1 type of mechanical explosion can occur when vessel containing pressurized liquid ruptured, causing rapid increase in volume liquid evaporates. note contents of container may cause subsequent chemical explosion, effects of can dramatically more serious, such propane tank in midst of fire. in such case, effects of mechanical explosion when tank fails added effects explosion resulting released (initially liquid , instantaneously gaseous) propane in presence of ignition source. reason, emergency workers differentiate between 2 events.

nuclear

in addition stellar nuclear explosions, man-made nuclear weapon type of explosive weapon derives destructive force nuclear fission or combination of fission , fusion. result, nuclear weapon small yield more powerful largest conventional explosives available, single weapon capable of destroying entire city.