What does 'shock sensitivity' refer to in explosives?

Shock sensitivity refers to the likelihood of an explosive material detonating as a result of mechanical shock or impact. This characteristic is crucial in the field of explosives safety management because it determines how sensitive a particular explosive is to accidental initiation from sources such as drops, falls, or blunt force. Materials that have high shock sensitivity can detonate with relatively low levels of impact energy, making it essential for safety professionals to handle them with extreme care and implement appropriate safety measures during transport, storage, and use.

In contrast, while the other concepts mentioned relate to explosive materials, they do not accurately define shock sensitivity. For instance, the likelihood of detonation from temperature changes pertains more to thermal stability rather than mechanical shock. The speed at which an explosive reacts is related to its rate of reaction or detonation velocity, which is a different property. Environmental stability involves how well an explosive can withstand various environmental conditions without degrading or becoming dangerous. Each of these factors is important in understanding explosives, but only shock sensitivity specifically addresses the risk of detonation due to impacts.