Chemical explosives are substances that undergo rapid chemical reactions, producing gas and heat, which results in an explosion. These reactions can occur through various mechanisms, such as combustion or detonation. Common examples include dynamite, TNT, and ANFO (ammonium nitrate fuel oil), each with specific properties and uses in construction, mining, and military applications. The effectiveness of chemical explosives depends on their composition and the speed at which they release energy. They are classified into two main categories: low explosives, which burn slowly and are used in applications like fireworks, and high explosives, which detonate rapidly and are used in military ordnance and demolition.