Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How do primary explosives differ from secondary explosives?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
explosive
A coal miner loading a drill hole with a water gel explosive called Tovex.
Within the category of detonating explosives, the primary distinction between primary and secondary explosives lies in their sensitivity to initiation.1
- Primary Explosives: These are highly sensitive materials that detonate when triggered by relatively simple external stimuli, such as a flame, spark, impact, or other sources of sufficient heat.1
- Secondary Explosives: These materials are significantly less sensitive and require a detonator to initiate the explosion. In many practical applications, they may also require a supplementary booster to ensure a stable detonation.1
While these categories are distinct, it is important to note that some substances can function as either primary or secondary explosives depending on the specific conditions of their use.1