Which type of explosive is characterized as having a high velocity of detonation?

The type of explosive characterized by a high velocity of detonation is high explosives. High explosives achieve their explosive effects through a rapid reaction that produces a shock wave traveling at supersonic speeds, typically exceeding 3,000 meters per second. This high velocity is essential for applications such as military ordnance and demolition, where a significant amount of energy is required to achieve the desired effect.

In contrast, low explosives, such as black powder, burn relatively slowly and create a rapid expansion of gases that can produce pressure but do not generate a shock wave. Blasting agents, while essential in certain applications, require specific conditions or booster materials to detonate effectively and generally have slower detonation velocities than high explosives. Propellants are also designed to burn steadily over time to propel a projectile rather than produce an instantaneous explosive effect. Therefore, high explosives is the only category that consistently exhibits a high velocity of detonation, making it the correct answer.