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Atomic Bombs
Atomic bomb is an explosive device in which a large amount of energy is released through nuclear reactions. This makes an atomic bomb, more properly called a nuclear weapon, a much more powerful device than any conventional bomb containing chemical explosives. The first Atomic Bombs were used during World War 2 in 1945 by the US onto 2 Japanese cities.
2,042 Questions
What were the positives and negatives of the atomic bomb?
It could be argued that nuclear weapons provide a deterrent. Many believe that they did. They represent an "or-else scenario" wherein any aggression that is "over the top" will get a nuclear response. Certainly other powers can taunt and even attack a nuclear power on a limited basis, but no "full scale assault" will probably be risked because of the threat of a nuclear response. It is true that some non-nuclear powers have engaged nuclear powers in broad acts of war knowing that the risk of a nuclear response is minimal. But it is different with nuclear powers. They are more careful acting in ways that the other could interpret as overly aggressive. We could go on, but let's go to another aspect of the use of a nuc. There was a program called Plowshare back when, and it posed peaful use of nuclear weapons. A nuc could be used to dig a big hole for, say, a water reservior. The Russians did it as a test, and they set of several devices to try different applications. The U.S. did a small shot (Sedan) to test the application of a nuclear blast for mining. The radiation release, however, is just too great, even with a good shot. Public objection increased, and Congress, who holds the pursestrings, waved off further testing. Under Plowshare, the use of nuclear weapons was suggested as a "pressure reliever" for large, active geologic faults, like the San Andreas in California. If building pressure there could be relieved with a "big hammer" like a nuc, then there'd be less of a chance that a big quake would occur. But it was also pointed out that the nuc might actually trigger a big quake, and no one wanted to pay the freight on something like that. The liability was too great. Using a nuc to relieve pressure along a fault is a good idea, because it is possible that we could avert a really big quake. You know. The one that kills dozens or even hundreds and does billions of dollars in property damage. But the first shot is extremely risky. If we could "get past" that one, we might be able to take action regularly to squash those huge pressure buildups that, when released, cause the big quakes. But we didn't "break through" with that idea. Maybe for the best. Check the links below for more information.
Is it possible for a nuclear power plant to blow up like an atomic bomb?
No.. Entirely impossible. There've been a couple meltdowns such as Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, A few scattered partial meltdowns, and a bunch of Russian Submarines. But the reactor is in no way designed to explode. They have to MAKE it explode for atomic bombs. You can't just pick up some uranium and set it on fire and hope it blows up. Explosions can happen and kick radioactive material around, but there won't be some huge mushroom cloud a mile wide. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_meltdown for more information.
What is the brief description of an atomic bomb?
A supercritical mass of fissile material rapidly assembled with explosives, then triggered by a carefully timed pulse of neutrons from a neutron source. That's about as simple and general as it gets.
What was one of the labs where the atomic bombs were made?
There are 2 main nuclear weapons labs. 1 at Los Alamos, NM (established 1943) and 1 at Livermore, CA (established 1952). Each weapons lab eventually had a nearby branch of Sandia Labs (Los Alamos in Kirkland AFB in Albquequeque, NM and Livermore nearby in Livermore, CA) that designed the non-nuclear parts of the weapons. Once designed and prototypes built and tested production was moved to a factory like PANTEX outside Amarillo, TX. Dozens of facilities across the country supplied these labs and factories with nuclear and non-nuclear components; including Hanford, WA (plutonium metal), Oakridge, TN (enriched uranium metal), Fernald, OH (plutonium and uranium extrusions and machined parts), etc.
What are pros and cons of atomic bombs?
Pros: Highly destructive power can be a strong deterrent against aggression; can potentially end conflicts quickly.
Cons: Mass civilian casualties; long-term environmental impact from radiation; possibility of escalation and use in future conflicts.
How many square miles can a atomic bomb destroy?
The extent of destruction caused by an atomic bomb can vary significantly depending on several factors including the bomb's yield, height of detonation, and surrounding geography. In general, a fairly powerful atomic bomb could potentially cause destruction over an area of several square miles, with severe damage concentrated closer to the detonation point.
What day did Albert Einstein invent the atomic bomb?
Albert Einstein did not invent the atomic bomb. He was a theoretical physicist who played no direct role in the development of the bomb, although his famous equation, E=mc^2, laid the foundation for understanding the energy release in nuclear reactions. The atomic bomb was developed and deployed during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project, primarily by scientists and engineers led by J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Why did Albert Einstein help make the atomic bomb?
Albert Einstein's assistance to the Manhattan Project was in the form of a letter he wrote to FDR, encouraging him to persue research in atomic weapons.
Although Einstein was a pacifist and was strongly opposed to war, he viewed Nazi-Germany as the greater threat and used his prestige as a physicist to encourage atomic research.
As a Jewish-German, Einstein had seen first-hand what the Third Reich was willing to do, and did not want them being the sole owners of atomic weapons.
What is the name of the atomic bomb that invented by albert Einstein?
None, Einstein had no part in either inventing or making atomic bombs except to sign a letter to FDR that Leo Szilard had written. Leo Szilard is the inventor of both the atomic bomb and reactor.
How much did the atomic bomb big boy weigh?
There was no atomic bomb called Big Boy. Perhaps you are confusing it with a restaurant chain that bombed :-)
The two atomic bombs used in combat were Little Boy & Fat Man, their approximate weights were 9,000 pounds & 10,000 pounds respectively.
Who is the first american physicist in charge of the development of the first atomic bomb?
J. Robert Oppenheimer was the first American physicist in charge of the development of the first atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project in World War II.
What was the atomic bomb aiming at?
The atomic bombs were aimed at Nagasaki and Hiroshima and they hit what they were aimed at. They were intended to show the Japanese populous they needed to tell their leaders to stop the war. It did have its affect once Emperor Hirohito saw that the American were correct. One bomb did a lot of damage. Nearly 200,000 died from just two bombs. The Russians were ready to invade Japan. If Emperor Hirohito did not surrender his country would be "gone" once the Russians and Americans invaded the country. He could not risk having more atom bombs dropped on his country. So he finally surrendered despite the military leaders wanting to continue the war.
I am attaching a public document for your interest. It gives you the real reason the bombs were dropped. Thank you for using answers.com.
Leaflets Dropped On Cities In Japan
Leaflets dropped on cities in Japan warning civilians about the atomic bomb, dropped c. August 6, 1945
TO THE JAPANESE PEOPLE:
America asks that you take immediate heed of what we say on this leaflet.
We are in possession of the most destructive explosive ever devised by man. A single one of our newly developed atomic bombs is actually the equivalent in explosive power to what 2000 of our giant B-29s can carry on a single mission. This awful fact is one for you to ponder and we solemnly assure you it is grimly accurate.
We have just begun to use this weapon against your homeland. If you still have any doubt, make inquiry as to what happened to Hiroshima when just one atomic bomb fell on that city.
Before using this bomb to destroy every resource of the military by which they are prolonging this useless war, we ask that you now petition the Emperor to end the war. Our president has outlined for you the thirteen consequences of an honorable surrender. We urge that you accept these consequences and begin the work of building a new, better and peace-loving Japan.
You should take steps now to cease military resistance. Otherwise, we shall resolutely employ this bomb and all our other superior weapons to promptly and forcefully end the war.
EVACUATE YOUR CITIES.
ATTENTION JAPANESE PEOPLE. EVACUATE YOUR CITIES.
Because your military leaders have rejected the thirteen part surrender declaration, two momentous events have occurred in the last few days.
The Soviet Union, because of this rejection on the part of the military has notified your Ambassador Sato that it has declared war on your nation. Thus, all powerful countries of the world are now at war with you.
Also, because of your leaders' refusal to accept the surrender declaration that would enable Japan to honorably end this useless war, we have employed our atomic bomb.
A single one of our newly developed atomic bombs is actually the equivalent in explosive power to what 2000 of our giant B-29s could have carried on a single mission. Radio Tokyo has told you that with the first use of this weapon of total destruction, Hiroshima was virtually destroyed.
Before we use this bomb again and again to destroy every resource of the military by which they are prolonging this useless war, petition the emperor now to end the war. Our president has outlined for you the thirteen consequences of an honorable surrender. We urge that you accept these consequences and begin the work of building a new, better, and peace-loving Japan.
Act at once or we shall resolutely employ this bomb and all our other superior weapons to promptly and forcefully end the war.
EVACUATE YOUR CITIES.
Source: Harry S. Truman Library, Miscellaneous historical document file, no. 258.
Did the atomic bomb really cause leukemia?
Yes, exposure to high doses of radiation from atomic bombs can increase the risk of developing leukemia. This is because radiation can damage the DNA within cells, leading to the development of cancer, including leukemia.
How does an atomic bomb affect the people around it?
The damage from a nuclear bomb depends upon how close you are to the point of detonation and the yield of the bomb. For a 1 Megaton bomb, the immediate effects are:
- Instantaneous death: 2.5 Km
- Immediate immersion in whole-body fire: 10 Km
- Third degree burns: 12 Km
- Second degree burns: 15 Km
- First degree burns: 19 Km
There are also intermediate term effects due to radiation exposure, and long term effects due to radioactive fallout.
For more information, follow the related link below.
Is the nuclear bomb more powerful than the hydrogen bomb?
Nuclear bomb can mean either fission or fusion bomb. Hydrogen bomb means fusion bomb. The fusion bomb can be built with any yield one wants, just by adding more stages with more fuel. The fission bomb has a theoretical maximum yield that cannot be exceeded.
Is the atomic bomb the same thing as the nuclear missile?
No, they are not the same thing. An atomic bomb is a type of nuclear weapon that releases a large amount of energy through nuclear fission or fusion reactions. A nuclear missile, on the other hand, is a missile system that is capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to a target.
Is there beryllium in the make up of the atom bomb?
The earliest ones all did.
Early atomic bombs used an internal initiator/neutron source to start the chain reaction. This was composed of beryllium and polonium and somewhat resembled a golfball in appearance. It was placed in the center of the bomb and when crushed by the shock from the chemical explosives, the two elements mixed, alpha particles from the polonium decay released neutrons from the beryllium which started the chain reaction.
These had a problem though: the polonium decays fairly rapidly, meaning these initiators/neutron sources had to be replaced about every 138 days to keep the bombs reliable. As the stockpile grew this became a major maintenance issue.
In the middle 1950s the US switched to external initiators/neutron sources to start the chain reaction. These are operated electrically and use tritium in a miniaturized particle accelerator to initiate a small fusion reaction reaction and a pulse of neutrons. The maintenance issues were effectively eliminated as these initiators/neutron sources only had to be replaced about every 12 years, a period of time longer than many weapons were even kept in the stockpile before being replaced by newer designs.
Some atomic bombs do use a beryllium neutron reflector on the inside of the depleted uranium tamper to improve efficiency, but this is not absolutely necessary for the bomb to work. To know whether a given bomb uses this or not would require access to classified design information.
What are the differences between the test atomic bomb and the real one?
The main difference is test devices often have no casing, but this may not be true as some tests were done with the full operational military bomb (e.g. Crossroads Able in 1946 was a test involving dropping a MK-III bomb identical to Fatman from a B-29 over Bikini Atoll).
Who told Roosevelt the chemical formula to build up the atomic bomb?
No one, as there is no chemical formula for nuclear explosives, they are nuclear not chemical in operation.
Leo Szilard wrote a letter to warn FDR that Germany might be working on atomic bombs and that the US should begin a project to study their feasibility. Szilard prepared the letter as if Albert Einstein had written it, then had Einstein sign it, as Einstein was better known and it seemed a letter that appeared to be from him was more likely to convince FDR. However this letter told FDR nothing about how atomic bombs could be built, except that it related to new discoveries about the properties of the metal uranium resulting from recent experiments performed in Germany.
How much area can atomic bomb blow up?
Question as written cannot be answered as it depends on very many unspecified variables, the most important being the yield of the bomb which with already tested bombs can vary from as little as 10 tons TNT equivalent to over 50 million tons TNT equivalent.
Is the atomic bomb a nuclear bomb?
Yes, both atomic and nuclear describe what mechanism causes an explosion. It is causes by atoms decaying, or the nucleus being split apart and releasing energy.
More exactly, a nuclear weapon is one which derives its power from energy released by breaking intra-nuclear bonds (i.e. the energy that holds neutrons and protons together inside an atom's nucleus). There are four types (currently) of nuclear weapons:
An atomic bomb is more properly called a fissionweapon, in that it derives power from splitting a heavy element (usually U-238 or P-239) into smaller elements.
A thermonuclear bomb is one that relies on fusion, where lightweight elements (isotopes of Hydrogen) are pushed together. Currently, all such weapons require a small atomic bomb to act as the trigger for the fusion reaction, but the vast majority of their yield is from fusion.
A hybrid weapon, also called a fission-fusion-fission weapon, is a thermonuclear bomb wrapped in a uranium shell to boost the yield by using escaping neutrons from the fusion reaction to ignite the uranium shell's fission.
A boosted atomic weapon is a normal atomic bomb which has gaseous tritium (a hydrogen isotope) injected just prior to detonation. This gas undergoes fusion, increasing the yield of the weapon.
What is the atomic bomb an example of?
The atomic bomb is an example of a nuclear weapon, a type of explosive device that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions. It was used during World War II, with devastating consequences, and has since influenced global security policies and discussions on nuclear proliferation.
How many atomic bombs did the US have in September 1945?
One FAT MAN type Mark 3 for Kokura, Japan planned for 19 Aug 45.
How many miles does an atomic bomb cover?
The destructive radius of an atomic bomb can vary depending on its size and yield. A typical atomic bomb might have a blast radius of a few miles, with the most powerful bombs capable of causing devastation over tens of miles.
Is Trinity Site the location of the first atomic bomb testing?
Yes, Trinity Site is the location of the first atomic bomb testing. It was the site of the Trinity Test, which was the first detonation of a nuclear weapon on July 16, 1945, as part of the Manhattan Project.
