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The choice of high explosives is accurate because they are specifically designed to detonate at velocities exceeding 1000 feet per second. This rapid detonation generates a shock wave that can produce significant destruction, which is fundamental to their applications in military, demolition, and blasting operations. High explosives typically include substances such as TNT, RDX, and PETN, which are characterized by their ability to produce a powerful explosion when initiated.

In contrast, primary explosives are generally more sensitive to heat, shock, or friction and are primarily used in detonators or as initiators. Low explosives, on the other hand, burn rather than detonate, producing gas and pressure at a slower propagation speed, which is why they are utilized in applications like propellants for firearms and fireworks. Secondary explosives require a primary explosive to become initiated and do not detonate at velocities greater than 1000 ft/sec themselves, but rather function as the main charge in munitions or explosives after being set off. This understanding clarifies the specific characteristics that define these different categories of explosives, underpinning why high explosives stand out for their detonation speed.