Which of the following is NOT considered a common high explosive?

Water is not considered a common high explosive because it does not possess the characteristics typical of explosives. High explosives are defined by their ability to undergo a rapid chemical reaction that produces a large amount of gas and heat, resulting in an explosive shock wave. Common high explosives, like TNT, RDX, and PETN, all demonstrate this capability, making them suitable for demolition and military applications.

In contrast, water is a stable compound that does not react explosively under normal conditions. It cannot undergo a detonation process, as its molecular structure does not facilitate the rapid reaction required for an explosive. This fundamental difference in chemical behavior clearly separates water from high explosives, affirming why it is the correct choice for this question.