Final answer:
Explosions happen due to the rapid release of energy, either naturally or artificially. The first explosives used by humans were gunpowder, followed by notable developments like nitrocellulose and dynamite. Thermonuclear bombs and detection methods like metal detectors are also part of explosive technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Explosions are a sudden release of energy, which can be found both in nature and through human-made devices. In the context of chemical explosions, these often involve a rapid and violent oxidation reaction that generates large amounts of hot gas. One of the first discovered explosives was gunpowder, which marked the beginning of advancements in the technology of explosives. Other developments include Frederick Augustus Abel's creation of nitrocellulose and Alfred Nobel's invention of dynamite.
Explosive devices can be detonated through various mechanisms such as tripwires, pressure switches, and remote triggers. Thermonuclear bombs, on the other hand, use a fusion process initiated by a fission bomb, involving materials like lithium deuteride and isotopes like uranium-238. In terms of safety and detection, soldiers might use metal detectors to locate hidden explosives and weapons.
Activation energy is a key concept in understanding explosions, as it is the energy required to initiate a chemical reaction. In the case of fireworks, the heat provided by a burning fuse serves as the activation energy that leads to the explosion.