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Some heavy elements such as uranium and plutonium disintegrate over time into lighter elements while ejecting neutrons and creating energy. These neutrons, not having an electric charge, can impact the nuclei of other atoms, causing them to disintegrate immediately. Normally this is the end of the process, because most neutrons produced by this process pass harmlessly into space, without impacting other atoms of the uranium or plutonium. Increasing the size of the piece increases the number of target nuclei available to the neutrons, so that more neutrons impact a nucleus. A critical mass is formed when a piece of uranium or plutonium is just the right size to maintain a chain reaction, continually producing enough neutrons to maintain the process indefinitely.
A nuclear reactor has exactly the amount of uranium or plutonium, at just the right proximity and moderated by heavy water, so that an average of one neutron is produced by each neutron already produced - resulting in a chain reaction.
A nuclear explosion will occur if there is more nuclear fuel than a critical mass, so that the number of available neutrons grows exponentially. A nuclear weapon has sufficient nuclear fuel for an explosion to occur, in two or more separate pieces, each of sub-critical size and separated from each other. A trigger mechanism fires the pieces together so that they rapidly form a super-critical mass, and the energy released results in the explosion.
A thermonuclear weapon uses a nuclear weapon as the trigger for an explosive fusion of hydrogen atoms. When heated to extreme temperatures by a nuclear reaction, atoms of hydrogen will fuse into heavier atoms, producing energy.
What else can I help you with?
Is nuclear weapons evil?
NO! Nuclear weapons don't make and detonate themselves
What is the name of people who make nuclear weapons?
There is no specific name for people who create nuclear weapons.
How did the Russians figure out how to make nuclear weapons before they figured out agriculture?
Do the Russians have nuclear weapons?
Can you make nuclear weapons with petroleum?
No.
What problems does the nuclear family faced with?
The new country that want to make nuclear weapons. And how to consult with they own weapons
Is it okay to make homemade nuclear weapons?
NO.
Why does US make nuclear weapons?
The US no longer makes nuclear weapons, it only refurbishes existing ones that are wearing out.
How many country's are authorized to make a nuclear weapons?
there are 14 countries which are licensed to make nuclear weapons 5 veto countries and other are developing nations
How are nuclear weapons used by the public?
if one of the public make nuclear weapons of course they can use but it can then become illegal if they harm someone
How has the United Nations tried to limit nuclear weapons?
The UN tried to limit nuclear weapons in many ways. For example, the UN simply wanted all nations to disarm itself with all WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction), this includes Nuclear Weapons. Also when certain countries like Iran and Korea starts a nuclear program, the UN tries to make sure that none of it is used to make Nuclear Weapons.
Who make the first nuclear weapons?
US 1945
Did nuclear weapons make convetional war obsolete?
no
