In chemistry, the word volatile refers to a substance that vaporizes readily. Learn examples of volatile substances, as well as the reactive cause. In chemistry, the word volatile refers to a substance that vaporizes readily.
Explosion is the act of deliberately causing a bomb or similar device to explode. Bomb disposal experts blew up the bag in a controlled explosion. France has carried out an underground nuclear explosion on Mururoa Atoll in the South Pacific.
earthquake. n. 1. (Geological Science) a sudden release of energy in the earth's crust or upper mantle, usually caused by movement along a fault plane or by volcanic activity and resulting in the generation of seismic waves which can be destructive. sudden movement of the Earth's crust. Earthquakes are caused by the release of built-up stress within rocks along geologic faults or by the movement of magma in volcanic areas. They are usually followed by aftershocks. See Note at fault.