Which of the following is a characteristic of high-order explosives?

High-order explosives are defined by their ability to produce a rapid and violent reaction characterized by a strong shock wave. This occurs because high-order explosives detonate, causing a wave of energy that can travel faster than the speed of sound, resulting in significant damage over a distance. This characteristic distinguishes them from low-order explosives, which burn rather than detonate and typically generate less powerful shock waves.

The shock wave produced by a high-order explosive is crucial for their effectiveness in military applications, demolition activities, and other uses where significant force is required to break apart materials. The ability to create this powerful shock wave is a primary reason why high-order explosives are used where precise and impactful results are necessary.