Which type of explosion is characterized by a flame front and pressure wave that advance through the material at a rate that exceeds the speed of sound?

The type of explosion characterized by a flame front and pressure wave advancing through the material at a rate that exceeds the speed of sound is known as detonation. This occurs when a chemical reaction propagates through the material at supersonic speeds, producing a shock wave that moves faster than the speed of sound in that medium. The result is a powerful explosion capable of significant damage due to the high pressure introduced by the rapid combustion process.

In contrast, other types of explosions such as deflagration involve subsonic combustion, where the flame front spreads at a relatively lower speed. Instantaneous explosions describe events that happen in a very short time frame but do not specifically relate to the speed of the flame front compared to sound. Oxidizing agents are substances that can cause or enhance a fire by providing oxygen, but they do not define a specific type of explosion on their own. Therefore, detonation stands out as the definitive term for the explosive phenomenon described.