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The subcritical masses of fissile material are in there, obviously. And there will be the conventional chemical explosives that drive the fissile material together and hold it there for a split second. The triggering mechanism is included with the sensor and control package. Some shielding and reflectors will be in there, and so will some materials that "lock out" the subcritical masses to prevent them "engaging" in the event of an accident. There are a few "security" features within the case of the weapon as well. As security concerns color all aspects of nuclear weapon design and construction, we can only speak to this subject matter in general terms.

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Is nuclear an adjective?

Yes, it is an adjective. It refers to a nucleus, as in nuclear reaction, or the central form, as in nuclear family.


What are some examples of a nuclear energy?

fission nuclear energyfusion nuclear energyradioactive decay


Why do some people believe in a nuclear deterrent?

Some people believe in nuclear deterrents because they see them as a means to prevent other countries from attacking them, due to the fear of retaliation with nuclear weapons. The concept is based on the idea that the threat of nuclear weapons can deter aggression and promote strategic stability between nations.


Is China a Nuclear free zone?

China is not a nuclear free zone. They have many nuclear weapons. Though China has a nuclear policy which states that they are not allowed to produce,fire, or give away these weapons.


How does it make you feel to know that most of the nuclear weapons in the Soviet and US arsenals remain ready for use even in the post-Cold War era?

Actually this is false most of the Cold War era nuclear weapons have been destroyed.At the peak of the Cold War the U.S. had about 10,000 strategic and 20,000 tactical nuclear weapons and the USSR had about 10,000 strategic and 30,000 tactical nuclear weapons.Following the signing of START both sides agreed to destroy all tactical nuclear weapons and reduce strategic nuclear weapons slowly over a period of time.At this time both the U.S. and Russia have about 3,500 strategic nuclear weapons each and no tactical nuclear weapons (although some people say that Russia secretly maintains about 1,000 tactical nuclear weapons).So, from a peak of about 70,000 nuclear weapons during the Cold War to about 7,000 nuclear weapons now, only about 10% of the weapons then available still remain ready for use.

Related Questions

Why do you have nuclear weapons?

Some of the countries have nuclear weapons because they use them as a defense mechanism. The nuclear weapons are intended to be used whenever there is a war.


What is Plutonium used in at least 3 things?

Nuclear Weapons Nuclear Reactors Nuclear Batteries


What limited the production of some nuclear weapons?

The Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons treaty.


Why did the Soviet install offensive nuclear weapons in Cuba?

Because the US already had offensive nuclear weapons in Turkey. They saw it as "balancing" things.


What laws are there about nuclear weapons?

Nuclear weapons are governed by international agreements such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Additionally, there are regional and bilateral agreements that regulate the use and possession of nuclear weapons among specific countries. Some countries also have domestic laws pertaining to nuclear weapons possession and testing.


Are nuclear weapons heavy?

Compared to a loaf of bread, all nuclear weapons are heavy. Compared to a truck, some are light and some are heavy.


What if terrorist had Nuclear weapons?

Things will likely get very messy and unpredictable.


Is americium used in nuclear weapons?

Yes, americium can be used in some types of nuclear weapons as a neutron source for initiating the chain reaction needed for a nuclear explosion. However, its use in modern nuclear weapons is limited.


What weapons are considered nuclear weapons?

Those that are nuclear, such as the nuclear bombs.


What are some things that contain plutonium?

Plutonium can be found in nuclear reactors, nuclear weapons, and in some smoke detectors. It is also present in some medical devices used for cancer treatment and in research laboratories for scientific experiments.


What are some of the weapons being used by the US in the mountains of Afghanistan?

tactical nuclear weapons


Does Zambia have nuclear weapons?

Zambia does not have nuclear weapons.