In this Article explosives are categorized into two groups and they are the Low order explosives and the High order explosives.
Not all explosives are meant to destroy. Some explosives only give out a little spark and they called Low order explosives, these kind of explosives are present on fireworks and on some smokeless powders, some can also be found on cigarette lighters and firecrackers we use on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day.

The High order explosives are the most dangerous of all; an explosion from this substance can destroy a building and turn it into grains of debris. These kinds of explosives are easily blown up. The first High explosive invented was the dynamite, and others followed like TNT and any combination of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil.
Some explosives nowadays are water based and this has proven to be very dangerous.
The role of explosives in Forensic Science is very evident. In terrorism cases, explosives are commonly used. There are some determinants to know the source of the explosives used. The forensic expert usually check the area where the bomb exploded, they will gather the entire residue found in the area of explosion. The possible evidence that can be found in this area are blasting caps, wires, batteries, fuses, containers, boxes, soil and other debris. All the evidence found are examined with the use of Forensic Comparison Microscopy. After all the evidence are being examined the Forensic expert will be able to identify the make of the bomb used or the parts used to make the bomb.
There are certain tips mentioned on how to handle bombs. But the most important thing of all, never touch the bomb if you are not a qualified explosive expert. It is advised move the people away from the area where the bomb is. After clearing the area, switch off all the electricity or anything that can trigger fire. Then, have someone to protect the area; they might be the police or the rescue team.
In other cases, most evidence gathered are processed on the crime laboratory, however in collecting explosives evidence it is possible to identify the materials used to make the bomb.
Being observant is one of the most important characteristic a Forensic expert must have. At the scene of explosion, they must observe the odors and take note of it; certain chemicals used in explosives got a distinctive smell, by recording this they can easily identify the chemical components used. Containers found or any powder residue can identify the explosives used.