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An air burst (detonating a bomb above the surface) would produce far more damage and death via radioactive fallout than one detonating at ground level.
A single 100 megaton air burst would be enough to cause a nuclear winter and pollute the Earth for many many years. Theoretically, a 100 megaton bomb detonated below ground could produce a massive earthquake and the constant explosions of a full blown nuclear war may also cause numerous earthquakes around the globe. But this would not destroy the world nor all human life.
Globally there are not enough nuclear bombs to completely kill every human. The Tsar Bomb (largest bomb ever detonated) had a fallout of 1000 square kilometres, and was 50 MT. The world is close to 150 million square kilometres, and the human population covers close to 18 million square kilometres.
Therefore to get a rough idea we can say hypothetically that the 5000 megatones of nuclear warheads was 100 Tsar Bombs (the same value in megatons). If these bombs were detonated their total radioactive fallout would cover 100,000 square kilometres.
It may be surprising to hear that this covers less than 1% of the area that the human population covers, which should give a general idea of the miniscule size of impact this would have on the total world's surface. Therefore it can be shown that we do not have the capacity at the moment to destory the world with nuclear warheads.
However, there are factors we have overlooked, which include:
- Tsar Bomb has a very small radioactive fallout in comparison with its megatone value
- Nuclear wardheads can be assumed to target densly populated locations, and
- Nuclear winter which would result in the radioactive fallout
To put curiousty to rest, even if we replaced our Tsar Bomb equation with nuclear warheads that had a higher radioactive yield to fulfill the 5000 megatons gloabl nuclear arsenal we would still not come close to the amount of radioactive fallout required to cover the area the human population covers, let alone destroy the world.
If nuclear warheads were targeted at densly populated locations it would increase the fatalities of a nuclear war, however this would still not wipe out humanity, let alone destory the world.
Nuclear winter can in lamer terms be contrasted with the ice age. The ice age did not destory the world, and did not wipe out all life, therefore neither would nuclear winter. Humanity is extremley resilient, and although many of the world's population die due to starvation if they did not die from the initial nuclear war or radiation, life will find a way.
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You forgot to take into account the amount of radiation there would be if more than one detonated at a single time.
My U.S. History teacher told us that if 8 nuclear bombs went off at roughly the same time, it would kill 95% of life in planet Earth.
What else can I help you with?
Did Japanese think the atomic bomb was supernatural?
No, the Japanese did not think the atomic bomb was supernatural. They were aware of its devastating power and understood it as a powerful and destructive man-made weapon used by the United States during World War II.
How is an atomic bomb an example of weak nuclear force?
An atomic bomb is an example of the weak nuclear force because it involves the transformation of neutrons into protons and vice versa within the atomic nucleus, a process mediated by the weak nuclear force. This transformation releases a massive amount of energy, contributing to the destructive power of the atomic bomb.
Is the hydrogen bomb is more destructive than the atom bomb and why?
Yes, the hydrogen bomb is more destructive than the atom bomb. This is because it relies on nuclear fusion, which releases much more energy than nuclear fission, the process used in atomic bombs. The sheer power of the hydrogen bomb makes it capable of causing significantly greater devastation.
Does fusion reaction occur in an atomic bomb?
Yes, fusion reactions occur in a hydrogen bomb, which is a type of nuclear bomb. The high temperatures and pressures generated by the fission reaction in the bomb can trigger fusion reactions between hydrogen isotopes. This fusion reaction releases a large amount of energy, contributing to the destructive power of the bomb.
Robert Oppenheimer why was the atomic bomb a problem?
The atomic bomb was considered a problem by some because of its destructive power and its potential for causing widespread devastation and loss of life. Oppenheimer himself described the bomb as a "weapon of terror" and expressed deep regret over its impact on humanity. The use of the atomic bomb also raised ethical and moral questions about the consequences of using such a powerful weapon in warfare.
What is the rule of thumb when it comes to the destructive power of an atomic bomb?
The rule of thumb is that the destructive power of an atomic bomb increases exponentially with its size.
What does an atomic bomb have?
Enormous destructive power.
Is atom bomb different to atomic bomb?
No, "atom bomb" and "atomic bomb" refer to the same type of explosive device that derives its destructive power from nuclear fission reactions. Both terms are used interchangeably to describe the same technology.
Where did the atomic bomb get its power?
The atomic bomb gets its power from the process of nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. This energy is what causes the destructive force of an atomic bomb.
How did scientist view using the bomb?
Scientists view the atomic bomb as a tool to prevent wars. However, when they realized the destructive power of the weapon they were horrified that it had been discovered.
Did Japanese think the atomic bomb was supernatural?
No, the Japanese did not think the atomic bomb was supernatural. They were aware of its devastating power and understood it as a powerful and destructive man-made weapon used by the United States during World War II.
How did scientist view using the atomic bomb?
The development of the atomic bomb was not only the most ambitious scientific enterprie in history, it was also the best-kept secret of the war.
Which weapon had even greater destructive abilities than the atomic bomb?
biological
How has the atomic bomb raised moral issues?
An atomic bomb has enough destructive force to annihilate an entire city. It can kill thousands of people in a single blast.
Did Einstein's work have destructive influences?
Yes, he created the the Atomic bomb which killed millions.
How is an atomic bomb an example of weak nuclear force?
An atomic bomb is an example of the weak nuclear force because it involves the transformation of neutrons into protons and vice versa within the atomic nucleus, a process mediated by the weak nuclear force. This transformation releases a massive amount of energy, contributing to the destructive power of the atomic bomb.
Why was the Atomic Bomb produced?
to kill every one else IT WAS PRODUCED IN AN EFFORT TO PRODUCE A WEAPON WITH SUFFICIENT DESTRUCTIVE POWER TO HELP WIN WORLD WAR 2
