Certified Protection Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

Which explosive is identified as a yellow-colored crystalline solid?

1. Ammonium nitrate

2. TNT

3. Picric Acid

4. RDX

The correct answer is: Picric Acid

Picric acid is recognized as a yellow-colored crystalline solid due to its distinctive chemical structure and properties. It is a nitrophenol compound that not only has explosive characteristics but also appears as a bright yellow crystal, which makes it easily identifiable. This unique coloration is a significant characteristic of picric acid, setting it apart from other explosives listed in the options. In contrast, ammonium nitrate is typically white and is commonly used as a fertilizer, though it can be an explosive when combined with fuel oil. TNT, or trinitrotoluene, is usually a brownish-yellow solid but does not exhibit the same bright yellow hue as picric acid. RDX, or research department explosive, is often a white crystalline solid. Thus, picric acid’s yellow color is a clear and defining feature that aligns with the question posed.