Which of the following is NOT a type of explosive?

The correct response identifies biological as not a type of explosive. Explosives are typically classified into several categories based on their properties and mechanisms. Mechanical explosives utilize physical forces, such as pressure or friction, to detonate. Chemical explosives rely on rapid chemical reactions that produce gas and heat to create an explosion. Thermal explosives utilize intense heat to trigger their explosive properties, often through the combustion of organic materials.

Biological, in contrast, refers to living organisms or their derivatives and does not fall within the traditional categories associated with explosives. Biological agents are usually linked to the field of biowarfare or biological hazards rather than explosives. This distinction is vital for safety professionals to recognize, as the handling, safety protocols, and regulations surrounding explosives differ significantly from those related to biological materials.