Cooperative Personnel Services Firefighter (CPS) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Firefighter Exam Questions and Study Guide

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What defines a detonation in terms of reaction speed?

A reaction that occurs at speeds slower than sound

A reaction where the reaction front travels at greater than the speed of sound

The defining characteristic of a detonation is that the reaction front travels at speeds greater than the speed of sound. This rapid propagation of the reaction is what differentiates detonation from other types of combustion or explosive reactions. In a detonation, the shockwave generated by the explosive reaction moves through the medium faster than the speed of sound, resulting in a significant and instantaneous release of energy, which can cause considerable damage.

This speed is crucial because it means that the energy released does not simply dissipate gradually but instead creates a highly destructive wave that travels outward rapidly. Understanding this aspect is vital for anyone studying chemistry, explosives, or firefighting, as it has implications for the behavior of materials under explosive conditions and the appropriate safety measures required when handling such materials.

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A chemical reaction that causes heat release only

A reaction that results in no pressure changes

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