What is a primary characteristic of "low explosives"?

Low explosives are characterized by their ability to burn slowly and produce gas. This slow burning allows them to generate a large volume of gas over time, which is utilized in various applications, such as propellants in firearms and fireworks. Unlike high explosives, which detonate and produce a shock wave that results in a rapid release of energy, low explosives undergo deflagration, meaning they react at a rate slower than the speed of sound in the material.

This characteristic makes them suitable for applications where a controlled release of energy is required, such as in launching projectiles or in demolition scenarios where precise control is necessary. The ability to produce a gas rather than shrapnel effects also distinguishes low explosives from high explosives, which often result in fragmenting materials that can cause collateral damage.