Nuclear Weapons

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.

Radiation exposure can lead to cell damage, increased risk of cancer, and potential genetic mutations. Acute exposure to high levels of radiation can cause immediate tissue damage and radiation sickness. Long-term effects can include an increased risk of developing cancer or other health issues.

A nuclear bomb explosion on Earth would not have any significant direct effects on the solar system as a whole. However, the impact on Earth's environment, climate, and ecosystems could have indirect consequences that may affect the planet's position within the solar system.

Nations may want to retain or develop these weapons for various reasons, including deterrence against potential adversaries, maintaining a position of power and influence on the global stage, or as a means of defense in case of an attack by other countries. Having a nuclear, biological, or chemical arsenal can also act as a bargaining chip in international negotiations or provide a sense of security against perceived threats.

Styrofoam is used in hydrogen bombs as a lightweight material to help trigger the fusion reaction. When compressed by the explosive detritus, styrofoam can create the high temperatures and pressures needed to start the fusion reaction in the hydrogen bomb.

Some of the problems involved in thermonuclear bombs include the risk of accidental detonation, the potential for proliferation leading to nuclear arms races, and the massive destruction and radioactive fallout they can cause. Additionally, there are ethical concerns surrounding their use due to the catastrophic consequences.

It is estimated that there are currently around 13,400 nuclear warheads in the world, with a total explosive yield of approximately 4,000 megatons. These warheads are owned by various countries such as the United States, Russia, China, and others.

An air burst occurs when a nuclear explosion happens in the air rather than on the ground. In this scenario, the fireball does not touch the Earth's surface, making it an aerial detonation. This type of burst can cause widespread damage through the blast wave, heat, and radiation effects.

Subcritical mass refers to an amount of fissile material that is not enough to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. This means the material does not reach a critical mass where nuclear fission reactions can continue in a self-sustaining manner. In order for a sustained chain reaction to occur, the material must exceed the critical mass threshold.

It is difficult to provide an exact number as the use of nuclear weapons would have catastrophic global consequences, potentially leading to nuclear winter and widespread devastation. It is imperative to prevent the use of such weapons to protect life on Earth.

Nations may want to retain or develop an arsenal of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons for deterrent purposes to dissuade potential adversaries from attacking. Additionally, they may see these weapons as a means to protect their national interests and security in a world where other countries possess such weapons. Lastly, some countries may view these weapons as a way to maintain a position of strength and influence in global politics.

Nuclear explosions produce a shock wave that moves faster than sound, so the initial blast is typically heard after the explosion has occurred. Additionally, the energy released during a nuclear explosion is so intense that it can damage the eardrums of anyone within range before they have a chance to perceive the sound.

Filling the bomb with pure oxygen provides a more efficient combustion process, leading to a more powerful explosion. Skipping this step and allowing the bomb to fill with air would dilute the oxygen content, making the explosion less intense and potentially causing the bomb to fail to detonate.

The first hydrogen bomb was tested at the Enewetak Atoll (also known as the Ivy Mike test) in the Marshall Islands on November 1, 1952.

A nuclear bomb is made of fissile material, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239. These materials undergo a nuclear chain reaction that results in a powerful explosion. Additional components such as a triggering mechanism and explosive lenses are also included in the design of a nuclear bomb.

Nations may want to retain or develop these weapons for deterrence against potential threats from other countries, to maintain leverage in international relations, and to establish themselves as powerful players on the global stage. However, the use of these weapons is highly controversial and comes with significant ethical, humanitarian, and environmental risks.

The size of a nuclear explosion can vary depending on the yield of the weapon. The explosions can range from several kilotons (thousands of tons of TNT) to megatons (millions of tons of TNT) of explosive power.

The artificial element with atomic number 99 found in the debris of the hydrogen bomb in 1953 is einsteinium (Es). It is a radioactive synthetic element that is created in nuclear reactors and has no known natural occurrence on Earth. Einsteinium was named after Albert Einstein.

The standard hydrogen bomb is a Teller-Ulam design which utilizes a Fission-Fusion-Fission sequence.

The primary is a fission device, likely boosted with tritium, not too different from the Fat Man implosion bomb used over Nagasaki; although it is much more efficient. The minimum critical mass for Pu-239 is about 25 pounds (11kg).

The secondary is a fusion-fission device, utilizing the x-ray radiation from the primary to compress & heat a light element. At the center of this is a hollow tube of Pu-239. As the secondary compresses, the Pu-239 tube (aka "spark plug") compresses as well and achieves criticality giving a fission reaction. This may require another 25 pounds (~11kg) of Pu-239.

So a rough estimate is about 50lbs (~22kg) for both fission processes. However, there are ways to create a super-critical mass using less material through the use of neutron reflectors, tritium boosting, neutron-initiators and other methods that are not common knowledge.

Nations that possess nuclear weapons don't give precise details for reasons of national security, so an exact answer to your question would require a security clearance of some sort, and a need to know.

So the best answer to your question is not much more than 50 pounds, or 11kg per weapon, probably a lot less.

Practice runs for the bouncing bomb were done at the Derwent Reservoir in England by the Royal Air Force's 617 Squadron in May 1943. These runs were part of the training exercises in preparation for the famous Operation Chastise against German dams during World War II.

Such an explosion is often referred to as a "7 megaton nuclear explosion." It releases energy equivalent to 7 million tons of TNT and can cause widespread destruction over a large area.

The cost of the plutonium used in a nuclear bomb can vary greatly, depending on factors such as purity, quantity, and production method. However, estimates suggest that the plutonium used in a typical nuclear bomb could cost millions of dollars.

After a nuclear stress test, you may feel tired or fatigued, but this is typically temporary and should subside within a few hours. You may also experience some soreness at the injection site. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's post-test instructions and drink plenty of fluids to help eliminate the radioactive tracer from your body.