A chemical with potential to explode under certain conditions is known as what?

A chemical that has the potential to explode under certain conditions is categorized as an explosive. Explosives are substances that undergo a rapid chemical reaction producing a large volume of gas and heat, resulting in an explosive wave that can cause damage and destruction. They possess specific characteristics that distinguish them from other hazardous materials, particularly their capacity to detonates or deflagrate (burn rapidly) under certain conditions, such as shock, heat, or pressure.

Understanding the unique properties of explosives is crucial for safety in handling and response scenarios, particularly in environments where hazardous materials may be present. While oxidizers, flammable, and combustible materials can also pose significant risks, they do not inherently possess the explosive characteristic needed to meet the definition of an explosive. Oxidizers facilitate combustion but are not explosive themselves, while flammable and combustible materials primarily involve fires rather than explosive reactions.