UPSC Prelims 2009·GS1·science-and-technology·materials and robotics

Which one of the following is used as an explosive?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. APhosphorus trichloride
  2. BMercuric oxide
  3. CGraphite
  4. DNitroglycerineCorrect

Explanation

Nitroglycerine is the correct answer because it is a powerful explosive liquid used as a key ingredient in the manufacture of dynamite. It is highly unstable and releases a large amount of energy and gas when it decomposes rapidly upon impact or heating. In contrast, phosphorus trichloride is used in chemical synthesis, mercuric oxide is used in batteries and pigments, and graphite is a form of carbon used as a lubricant or in pencils. None of the other options possess explosive properties.
science-and-technology: Which one of the following is used as an explosive?

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