Final answer:
An explosion typically results from a chemical reaction where rapidly expanding gases create a shock wave, as observed in d. rapidly expanding gases compress the surrounding atmosphere into a shock front. Gunpowder, nitrocellulose, and dynamite are historical examples of explosives, which are initiated by an activation energy like heat. Chemical explosions are often spontaneous, resulting in the rapid, exothermic release of energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
An explosion results from a material undergoing a rapid and violent oxidation reaction that produces large amounts of hot gas. In the context of the provided options, the correct one is that an explosion occurs when d. rapidly expanding gases compress the surrounding atmosphere into a shock front. This is because the rapid production and expansion of gases during the oxidation reaction leads to the release of energy and the creation of a shock wave.
The real-world examples include the discovery and use of gunpowder as well as developments like nitrocellulose by Frederick Augustus Abel and dynamite by Alfred Nobel. These substances require activation energy, such as a spark or flame, to trigger the explosive reaction. Explosion reactions, like that of nitroglycerin, are exothermic, releasing energy and increasing entropy, hence they are often spontaneous reactions under the right conditions.
The general example of a combustion reaction involves a substance reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, as well as releasing heat and possibly light. For example, when methane burns on a kitchen stove (CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2 H2O + Heat), it is a combustion reaction involving a rapid combination of oxygen molecules with fuel molecules.