Shock sensitivity

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Shock sensitivity is a comparative measure of the sensitivity to sudden movement of a chemical compound, usually of an explosive.

Compounds with a high sensitivity to shock, such as Nitroglycerin and Acetone peroxide require special precautions to be taken when transporting the material in order to prevent a premature explosion. On the other hand, compounds such as C4 (RDX) and dynamite have much lower shock sensitivities.