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Nuclear Weapons
This category is for questions about weapons that use nuclear fission or fusion to gain explosive power.
3,869 Questions
Do nuclear weapons make the world a safer place?
yes and no
yes because it makes the world a safer place because countries that have them feel secure
no because it you attack someone like the united states well basically your srry you attacked us and you get blown to smithereens
How does a neutron bomb explode?
A neutron bomb is a form of nuclear weapon. It explodes in several steps. In the first step, control circuits fire electronic blasting caps cause conventional explosives to detonate. They are shaped in such as way that the explosion crushes a ball of nuclear material (mainly plutonium) causing that to produce nuclear fission (an atomic explosion). THAT serves as the trigger to a nuclear fusion explosion- (similar to the hydrogen bomb). This releases heat, blast, and neutrons.
Can nuclear weapons be deactivated?
No, once a nuclear weapon is fully assembled and armed, it cannot be easily disarmed or "deactivated" due to safety mechanisms in place to prevent accidental detonation. Disassembling a nuclear weapon without triggering a nuclear explosion requires highly specialized knowledge and equipment.
What is the volume of an atomic bomb?
That varies from design to design. The physics package is typically quite small, the chemical explosives can be much bigger depending on the types used.
Why did India conduct its first nuclear test?
India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 to demonstrate its ability to develop nuclear weapons technology. The test, known as "Smiling Buddha," was considered a strategic move to establish India's nuclear deterrence capabilities in the region.
Do particles turn into fallout when they are in a nuclear explosion?
You basically have it. Anything lofted by the updraft in the stem eventually becomes fallout (although some small amount may not be radioactive).
Nuclear fallout is composed of:
- Oxidized residue of the vaporized bomb (highly radioactive fission products, unused nuclear fuels, bomb casing, etc.)
- Particles of the substrate below or around the burst (dirt, rock, water, etc.)
- Any particles (from anywhere) exposed to the high neutron flux of the fireball will become radioactive.
- etc.
Why is waste disposal of nuclear materials a serious problem?
Waste disposal of nuclear materials is a serious problem because these materials remain radioactive for thousands of years, posing significant health and environmental risks if not properly stored. Improper disposal can lead to contamination of soil, water, and air, threatening ecosystems and human health. Safely managing and storing nuclear waste is essential to prevent long-term consequences.
Why was the first hydrogen bomb impractical?
The Ivy Mike hydrogen bomb design of 1952 (Sausage) was impractical as a deliverable weapon for the following reasons:
- Size - it was 80 feet tall and 20 feet in diameter
- Weight - it weighed 65 tons, more than any bomber could lift
- Liquid fueled - it used cryogenic liquid Deuterium and Tritium, requiring a cryogenic refrigeration plant about a heavy as the bomb itself
By 1954 these problems had been solved and a liquid fueled bomb capable of being carried on a modified B-36 (Jughead, to be designated the MK-16) was ready for test in the Castle series. When the Castle Bravo shot (Shrimp) proved that dry hydrogen bombs were practical in small size and weight, the MK-16 test shot and development were canceled.
The Castle Romeo shot (Runt) tested a dry fueled design that could be carried on an unmodified B-36 (to be designated the MK-17). It was only about 15 feet long and 5 fee in diameter, weighing only about 20 tons. This became the first fielded fusion bomb.
What type of bomb are referred as dirty bomb?
There are two types of bombs that are referred to as "dirty" bombs:
- A dirty conventional bomb or more precisely a radiological bomb. This is simply a conventional chemical explosive bomb wrapped in highly radioactive isotopes. It will likely kill everyone involved in assembling and delivering it before it can hurt anyone at its target.
- A dirty hydrogen bomb or more precisely an enhanced fallout nuclear bomb. This is a hydrogen bomb with its depleted uranium tamper replaced by or "salted" with other elements that absorb neutrons strongly and transmute into highly radioactive isotopes, producing much more fallout that is more deadly. Cobalt is commonly referred to in the popular literature but would not actually work well as its capture cross section for high energy fusion neutrons is rather small. Gold would be ideal from a military standpoint as its capture cross section for high energy fusion neutrons is large and the halflife of the radioisotopes produced is short enough to allow occupation of the affected territory within a few months (however gold is too expensive for this use).
What is the chemical process of a hydrogen bomb?
A hydrogen bomb is a series or sequence of events that must take place in a specific order. Only a very small part of that is chemical. Conventional chemical explosives are used as the trigger to begin the sequence. Electrical detonators are activated by an electric current that creates heat in the detonator. That heat causes a small amount of explosive in the detonator to to explode. THAT explosion is chemical- an unstable chemical drops from a high to a lower energy level, giving up heat that creates a shock wave. That shock wave causes another chemical reaction- in the main explosive lenses of the bomb. Those chemical explosives ALSO drop to a lower energy level in a chemical reaction- creating a larger shock wave. That shock wave then physically crushes a mass of plutonium, and begins a NUCLEAR process- where the ultra-dense compressed plutonium undergoes nuclear fission, breaking down into lighter elements, releasing tremendous heat, shock, and free neutrons. That FISSION reaction triggers the next stage, where very light elements such as hydrogen are compressed to the point that they FUSE into heavier elements, liberating a greater amount of energy in the form of heat, blast, and radiation.
What is the molecular formula of a hydrogen bomb?
There is no such thing. The hydrogen bomb is a very complicated mechanism, not a chemical!
What is used as a trigger in a hydrogen bomb?
A traditional nuclear fission bomb is used as a trigger in a hydrogen bomb. The explosion from the fission bomb generates the high temperatures and pressures needed to initiate the fusion reaction in the hydrogen bomb.
Can a underground nuke bomb test create an earthquake?
Yes, an underground nuclear bomb test has the potential to create seismic waves that can be detected and recorded as an earthquake. The magnitude of the seismic event would depend on the yield of the nuclear explosion and the geology of the surrounding area.
Why are Twinkies able to survive a nuke?
Twinkies have a long shelf life due to their low moisture content and the artificial preservatives used in their production. Although they may not physically survive a nuclear explosion, the myth of their indestructibility comes from their ability to stay edible for a long time under normal conditions.
Why is the process of nuclear important?
Nuclear energy is important because it is a low-carbon energy source that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also provides a reliable and consistent source of electricity, has a high energy density, and can contribute to energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, nuclear technology has applications in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and industry.
How far can nuclear missile travel?
Nuclear missiles can travel thousands of kilometers, with some intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching targets on the other side of the world. The exact range depends on the specific missile and its design.
Which is the best fuel for nuclear bomb plutonium or uranium?
Plutonium is the preferred fuel for nuclear bombs due to its greater efficiency in sustaining a nuclear chain reaction compared to uranium. Its higher fissionability and smaller critical mass make it the more suitable choice for achieving the explosive yield required in nuclear weapons.
Is nuclear power plant as dangerous as nuclear weapons?
Nuclear power plants are designed with safety features to prevent accidents and limit the release of radiation. While accidents can still occur, the risk of a catastrophic event is much lower than with nuclear weapons, which are intentionally designed to cause destruction on a large scale.
What was Einstein's attitude to nuclear weapons after his warning letter to President Roosevelt?
Einstein was always opposed to all weapons, not just nuclear. He really saw no difference between a rifle and a nuclear bomb, both killed.
He had signed the warning letter (written by Leo Szilard in Einstein's name because Einstein was famous and Szilard wasn't) because he was more afraid of nuclear weapons in the hands of the Nazis than in the hands of the U.S.
Even though he signed the letter, he really wished that physics did not allow the construction of nuclear bombs. But the first warning of the letter was that the U.S. had to determine that first. As it was soon shown that physics did allow it, the U.S. began work on making them just in case the Nazis were doing so also, so that we had a "defense" by attacking back.
How can India produce of 1 megaton fusion bomb?
India has the technological capability to produce a 1 megaton fusion bomb by further developing its nuclear weapon program. This would involve advanced research in fusion technology, production of tritium and deuterium isotopes, and the design of a sophisticated delivery system. However, it's important to note that this would have significant geopolitical implications and could violate international non-proliferation agreements.
Has a nuclear explosion happened on November 6 2010?
There is no record of a nuclear explosion occurring on November 6, 2010. If there had been a nuclear explosion, it would likely have been a significant event that would be widely documented.
What was the main purpose of the hydrogen bomb?
The main purpose of the hydrogen bomb was to create a much more powerful and destructive nuclear weapon than the atomic bomb. It was designed to release energy from nuclear fusion reactions, which is many times greater than that of nuclear fission reactions used in atomic bombs.
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.
What is the speed of a nuclear weapon?
I do not understand your question.
Do you mean the speed of its shockwave? That is supersonic.
Do you mean the speed of its x-rays and gamma rays? That is the speed of light.
Do you mean the speed of its fallout? That depends on wind speeds.
Do you mean the speed of its delivery vehicle? Is that a bomber? Subsonic. Is that an ICBM? Roughly orbital velocity. Is that a cruise missile? Subsonic. Is that an artillery shell? Supersonic. Is that an antisubmarine depth bomb? Slow.
Or do you mean some other speed?
A more precisely worded question will help get a more precise answer.
