Final answer:
Diatomaceous earth, used in various food-related applications, is mixed with nitroglycerin to make dynamite more stable and less sensitive to physical shock. While no edible food item is used, this compound is essential in the production of dynamite.
Step-by-step explanation:
The food item that can be used to make dynamite is diatomaceous earth, which is not a food itself but is related to food production because it is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth is usually used as a mechanical insecticide and as an absorbent in various applications, including food storage to prevent spoilage. Specifically, within the context of dynamite, diatomaceous earth is mixed with nitroglycerin, a very unstable material, to create a more stable compound that is less likely to explode upon physical shock. Nitroglycerin is the main component that gives dynamite its explosive properties.
When ignited, nitroglycerin in dynamite explodes rapidly, releasing large amounts of nitrogen and other gases along with a massive amount of heat. This release of gases and heat is an extreme manifestation of the chemical potential energy stored within the compound. In summary, while no actual edible food item directly forms dynamite, diatomaceous earth associated with food processes plays a crucial role in its formulation for increased stability.