Sensitivity is a measure of the ease with which an explosive can be initiated by impact, heat, or friction. It is typically expressed as a value between 0 and 10, with 0 being the least sensitive and 10 being the most sensitive.
The sensitivity of an explosive is determined by a number of factors, including the type of explosive, the size of the particles, and the presence of impurities. Some explosives, such as nitroglycerin, are extremely sensitive and can be detonated by even a small amount of heat or friction. Other explosives, such as ammonium nitrate, are relatively insensitive and require a significant amount of heat or friction to initiate detonation.
The sensitivity of an explosive is an important safety consideration, as it can affect the likelihood of an accidental explosion. Explosives with high sensitivity should be handled with extreme care and stored in a cool, dry place.