What term is used for a given quantity of explosives, either alone or contained within a bomb or projectile?

The term that accurately describes a given quantity of explosives, whether it is used alone or housed within a bomb or projectile, is "charge." In explosive terminology, a charge refers specifically to the amount of explosive material that is placed in a device to produce an explosive effect when detonated. This term is essential in the context of explosive ordnance as it encompasses various applications, including the calculations necessary for safe handling, storage, and deployment of explosives.

Other options, while related, do not capture the precise meaning of a quantity of explosives in this context. For example, "payload" typically refers to the total explosive load that is effective in delivering an explosive impact, which includes the charge but may not specifically denote the explosive material alone. "Capacity" can refer to the ability of a container or system to hold a substance but does not directly imply the quantity of explosives. Similarly, "volume" pertains to the three-dimensional space that a substance occupies and does not specifically relate to explosive quantities in the way that "charge" does.