Question

In the explosive amatol, TNT is mixed with

Answer 1

Hint: Amatol is an explosive mixture, which if combined with reducing substances like hydrides, sulphides, or nitrides, it may start a strong reaction that ends in an explosion. even in the presence of water or organic solvents, may explode in the presence of a base like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

Complete step by step solution:
A mixture of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is used to create the highly explosive substance known as amatol. Amatol makes use of the interaction between ammonium nitrate and TNT. TNT lacks oxygen but has a higher explosive velocity and brilliance. A pure TNT explosion leaves behind black smoke due to a lack of oxygen.

Ammonium nitrate's excess oxygen boosts the amount of energy released when TNT detonates. A residue of white or grey smoke is left behind by amatol after detonation, depending on the proportions of the chemicals utilised. Since ammonium nitrate is less expensive than TNT, amatol is less powerful and has a lower explosive velocity than TNT.
The correct answer is Ammonium Nitrate.

Additional Information: Glycerine is combined with sulfuric and nitric acids to create trinitrotoluene (TNT). Very stable covalent gases CO, CO₂ and N₂ are produced when TNT explodes. There is a significant amount of energy released in the creation of these stable, very low energy bonds. Thus, making TNT explosive.

Note: Oxygen deficiency in trinitrotoluene (TNT) is 50%. Amatol is oxygen balanced, making it more powerful than pure TNT when it explodes underwater or underground.