How are atomic bombs set off?

Answer 1

High ExplosivesThe key in a successful fission-based thermonuclear explosion is the generation of a well-timed self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction that would inevitably lead to the generation of large amounts of energy (hence, the "bomb"). In order to do this, fissile material (that is, the radioactive material) should be brought to a "critical mass" - that is, a density and shape that would allow spontaneous fission to occur at a very rapid pace. To do this, the material must be compressed to a very high degree very rapidly upon detonation... cue in the High Explosives.

In earlier days, the fissile material was packed much like Pizza, with the wedges/slices placed relatively far apart to avoid pre-detonation (that is, the reaction goes spontaneous long before you want it to, causing... undesirable... side effects). Just ringing the wedge is the high explosive, placed such that the energy of its explosion goes into the "pizza". Upon impact (for surface explosives, this means a trigger on the missile's nose, while for other types this would mean remote control), the explosives detonate simultaneously, compressing the wedges to critical mass, triggering the explosion. ###

Now, it should be said trhat I am not a nuclear technician, however i do a hell of a lot of reading and stuff in this sort of area, and my basic understanding of this is that there is a peice of nuclear material placed inside the bomb. around that are peices of c-4 or another form of explosive. these go off all at exactly the same time to compress the nuclear matter, which superheats the core causing a massive *pop* sound. hence to say, the pop is kinda loud.

..... atom splitting is dangerous, don try this @ your house.

Answer 2

At the time of detonation a flash of neutrons, gamma rays, x-rays, UV, visible light, and IR is emitted. Over a period afterwards the fallout decays emitting alpha, beta, and gamma rays.