First and foremost a nuclear weapon needs some type of heavy and easily fissable isotope, usually Uranium 285, or Plutonium 345. Most nuclear weapons use what's known as an implosion disk, which is essentially a sphere of high explosives surrounding the fuel isotope. When this sphere detonates, it smashes the atoms of the fuel element together this starting the reaction. In thermonuclear devices, the isotope is usually a more stable element, and it detonates through a rapid buildup of heat.
A nuclear weapon requires enriched uranium or plutonium as the fissile material to sustain a chain reaction and create a nuclear explosion. Additionally, a conventional chemical explosive is needed to trigger the nuclear reaction.
No, it was not needed, but it was an available weapon, and its use probably saved human lives.
The meaning of the word nuclear weapon, is a weapon that has a nuclear warhead on it.
plutonium + weapon
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No. LLNL even tested several Uranium-Hydride bombs in the 1950s. Even though their computer models said the devices should explode, none gave a nuclear yield. One could use the waste from the reactor as a Radiological Weapon, but the reactor itself is not useful as a weapon.
It typically takes about 15-25 kilograms of highly enriched uranium (HEU) or 3-5 kilograms of plutonium to make a nuclear weapon. The exact amount can vary depending on the design and efficiency of the weapon. The International Atomic Energy Agency closely monitors and regulates the use and handling of these nuclear materials to prevent proliferation.
Science---Nature Animals---Science l l Physics Biology--- Bacteria l Steel---Tool Reaction --- Physics l l Weapon Nuclear Reaction --- Weapon l Nuclear Weapon
weapon + plutonian = nuke
nuclear bomb = plutonium + weapon
Why is any weapon made?Because they can (the technologies needed are available).Because they feel threatened by someone else's weapons.Because they want to threaten someone else.etc.
Nobody, the US was the first country to work out how to actually make nuclear weapons.