Which of the following best describes ammonium nitrate when stored alone?

• A. It is considered an explosive
• B. It is always safe to store
• C. It is only a fertilizer
• D. It has no storage regulations

Answer: (A)

Ammonium nitrate, when stored alone, is considered an explosive because it can act as a strong oxidizer and can support combustion under certain conditions. While ammonium nitrate is widely used as a fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content, its characteristics as an oxidizer mean that it has the potential to become unstable, especially when subjected to heat, contamination, or certain physical conditions.

Due to its explosive potential, ammonium nitrate is subject to strict storage regulations to mitigate risks. Proper handling and storage conditions are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure safety. This is why it is essential to recognize that even though the substance has beneficial uses, it cannot be treated as inherently safe without considering its reactivity and potential for hazardous situations.

The other alternatives do not accurately capture the nature of ammonium nitrate; for instance, stating that it is always safe to store ignores the precautions necessary to prevent hazards. Similarly, while ammonium nitrate does function as a fertilizer, it is more than just that; its explosive properties are vital to consider in storage. Finally, the assertion regarding a lack of storage regulations is incorrect as ammunium nitrate storage is regulated to ensure safety in handling.