What is Composite Compound 4?
''' Composite Compound 4''' (often abbreviated to ''C4'') is a kind of [[plastic explosive]], which is often used in [[military]] operations. C4 is [[malleability|malleable]]: It can be given almost any form. It can also be handled safely, as neither fire, [[electricity]] nor [[Electric shock|shock]] will cause an explosion. C4 will explode if force and heat are combined. Because C4 can be given almost any form, [[additive]]s are used, so that it can be detected more easily. Some of these additives have a distinctive [[odor]], which can be detected by specially trained [[dog]]s. Another additive that is used often is [[metal]]lic [[powder]]: This powder can be detected by [[metal detector]]s. <gallery> File:C4-Sprengstoff 2.jpg|A soldier prepares a load of C4, to destroy [[ammunition]] found at a site. File:Eod2.jpg|Inserting [[blasting cap]]s into blocks of C4 explosive File:M112 Demolition Charge.jpg|Unexploded ordnance prepared for destruction by M112 demolition charges (the black bricks). The M112 charges contain C4 explosive. </gallery> {{multistub|science|military}} [[Category:Plastic explosives]]